Horse Shoe Crab; Atl. – Limulus polyphemus

About this invertebrate

Horse Shoe Crab; Atl. – Limulus polyphemus is the Atlantic horseshoe crab, a marine arthropod (Limulus polyphemus) that’s kept in saltwater aquariums as a living scavenger/forager and a fascinating detritus-and-meaty-feed opportunist. In practice, it’s best used in a fish- and invert-compatible setup where it can burrow or forage along the bottom, with stable water quality and a deep sand or fine substrate area for natural behavior. Because horseshoe crabs are sensitive to changes in water conditions, this animal is most suited to aquarists who can maintain consistent salinity and temperature and provide suitable tankmates and feeding.

Features:

• Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) for a saltwater invertebrate display focused on bottom-dwelling behavior. ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• Forages along the substrate; provide an environment that supports natural rummaging/burrowing behavior (fine sand recommended by care guidance). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_marine_aquarium_invertebrate_species?utm_source=openai))
• Generally considered peaceful toward many aquarium organisms, but compatibility should be chosen carefully because larger animals can be disruptive to slower tankmates. ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• Sensitive to water quality and benefits from stable, well-maintained aquarium conditions. ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• Diet should be supplemented with meaty foods rather than relying only on scavenging. ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Limulus polyphemus ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• Care level (general): Easy to care for (commercial aquarium listings/guides) ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/invertebrates/crabs/limulus/horseshoe-52520/?utm_source=openai))
• Temperature range: 72–78°F ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• Salinity (specific gravity): 1.020–1.025 ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• pH range: 8.1–8.4 ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/invertebrates/crabs/limulus/horseshoe-52520/?utm_source=openai))
• Adult size (approx.): Up to ~12 in (body diameter reported for females) ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))
• Diet (in captivity): Supplement with meaty items (e.g., pieces of squid or shrimp); scavenging alone may be insufficient ([liveaquaria.com](https://www.liveaquaria.com/products/horseshoe-crab?utm_source=openai))