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How to Breed Rock Crabs

Found throughout the coasts of the world, the rock crab species are not usually known for their meat content, but rather for their colors, depending on which variety they are. Growing to a maximum of 7 inches in width, the crabs can make a great addition to a home aquarium. Breeding the crabs, however, is often the best way to continue to populate your tank with the crustaceans.

Things You'll Need

Male rock crab
Female rock crab
Breeding tank (purchased at many aquarium or fish stores)
Tank thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Examine both crabs to ensure that they are the correct sex. Flip over the crabs and check that they are female and male by examining the small area at the bottom of their underside. It should appear cone-shaped, like a honeybee's nest -- females have a larger and rounded cone than males.
- 2
  Place a variety of rocks and plants in your breeding tank to ensure it is a habitat that will make the crabs feel safe without undue stress -- if the crustacean feels unsafe, it will not breed.
- 3
  Set the breeding tank away from direct sunlight or cold conditions, preferably in a room that always remains room temperature. Set a thermometer in the tank to ensure it stays at this temperature.
- 4
  Place the two crabs in the tank and allow them to cohabitate for several weeks. Raise the temperature by 2 to 3 degrees in the tank -- the sudden change in temperature will often produce breeding.
- 5
  Check the crabs several weeks later to see if the female is carrying eggs or has released them, from her cone-shaped underside. If so, return the crabs to their respective tanks.

Animals & Science