SKU: 23711065178

Horseshoe Crab Limulus Polyphemus

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Description

Horseshoe Crab Limulus PolyphemusHorseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)(Also known as Atlantic Horseshoe Crab, American Horseshoe Crab, or King Crab) OverviewThe Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) is an ancient and fascinating marine arthropod, often referred to as a living fossil having remained virtually unchanged for over 450 million years. Despite its name, it is not a true crab, but more closely related to spiders and scorpions. Recognisable by its hard, domed carapace, spiny tail

Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)

(Also known as Atlantic Horseshoe Crab, American Horseshoe Crab, or King Crab)

Overview

The Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) is an ancient and fascinating marine arthropod, often referred to as a “living fossil” — having remained virtually unchanged for over 450 million years. Despite its name, it is not a true crab, but more closely related to spiders and scorpions. Recognisable by its hard, domed carapace, spiny tail spine (telson), and multiple pairs of legs, this species plays an important ecological role as both a substrate cleaner and sand sifter. While captivating, Horseshoe Crabs grow very large and require specialised care, making them suitable only for experienced aquarists with very large marine systems.

Origin

Native to the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and eastern coast of North America, from Maine to the Yucat√°n Peninsula. Found primarily in shallow coastal waters, sandy lagoons, and estuaries, where they burrow into soft substrates searching for food.

Feeding

Horseshoe Crabs are omnivorous scavengers, feeding primarily on benthic organisms and detritus. In captivity, they require a diet rich in protein and organic material. Feed several times weekly with:

  • Mysis shrimp, krill, or chopped clams
  • Marine pellets and sinking wafers
  • Detritus, leftover food, and organic debris from the substrate
  • Occasional algae-based supplements

They use their legs and mouth appendages to sift sand and locate buried food. A deep, soft substrate is essential for natural foraging behaviour.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting. Horseshoe Crabs do not rely on light for feeding or activity. Provide subdued illumination and shaded areas to mimic their natural, shallow coastal environment.

Water Flow

Moderate, gentle flow. Ensure adequate oxygenation and stable circulation without excessive current that could disturb the substrate or flip the crab.

Placement & Habitat Setup
  • Provide deep sandy substrate (7–10 cm / 3–4 inches) for burrowing and foraging.
  • Avoid sharp rocks or coarse gravel, which can damage the carapace or legs.
  • Ensure the tank is large enough for movement and full burrow cycles.
  • Keep the environment well-oxygenated and free of debris buildup.
Tank Mates

Caution required. Compatible with:

  • Peaceful, slow-moving fish (gobies, blennies, jawfish)
  • Non-aggressive invertebrates (snails, cucumbers, brittle stars)

Avoid:

  • Predatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses)
  • Crustaceans that may nip at legs or eyes
  • Sharp rock structures that could trap or injure the crab
Aggression

Peaceful. Horseshoe Crabs do not attack other tank inhabitants but may unintentionally disturb corals or rockwork while burrowing.

Experience Level

Advanced.Limulus polyphemus requires very large aquariums, deep sand, and excellent water quality. Most specimens are better suited to public aquariums or large, open marine systems. Juveniles can adapt to home tanks but often outgrow them quickly.

Water Parameters
  • Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
  • Hardness (dKH): 8–12
  • Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <10 ppm
  • Tank Size: Minimum 500 gallons (1,900L) for adult specimens; 200 gallons (750L) for juveniles

Stable salinity and oxygen levels are essential, as Horseshoe Crabs are sensitive to rapid environmental fluctuations.

Lifespan & Size
  • Size: Up to 60 cm (24 inches) across including tail spine
  • Lifespan: Up to 20 years in the wild; typically 5–10 years in captivity with proper care
Reef Compatibility

Not reef safe. While peaceful, Horseshoe Crabs can dislodge rocks, overturn corals, and disturb substrate-dwelling invertebrates during feeding. Best kept in fish-only or specialised species tanks with soft sand and minimal rockwork.




⚠️ Important Note

Due to their large adult size and deep-sand habitat requirements, Horseshoe Crabs are not suitable for most home aquariums. Many individuals are sold as juveniles but quickly outgrow standard tanks. Only advanced aquarists with spacious systems or public aquarium setups should attempt long-term care.

Shipping Notes
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SKU: 23711065178

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4.4 ★★★★★
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Nala Nose Best 🐾
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 3
Well-designed and quiet, but didn’t keep my dog interested
Color: Blue
My dog was interested in this at first, but she would lose interest after a few minutes and move on. I do like that it’s quieter than the hard plastic ball toys, and the charge lasts well. The internal charging port that twists closed is also a nice design feature. That said, it will occasionally turn on by itself, which can be a little surprising. Overall, it has some nice features, but it just didn’t keep my dog engaged.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
O
Verified Purchase
OhCaptainMyCaptain
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 1
Good - for a few hours
Color: Blue, Color: Blue
Concept is fantastic. Dog loved it. Problem is that she figured out how to open it within two hours of play. The robot core, alas, did not survive. In the photo, you see a tooth went cleanly into the button and that was the end of the toy.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
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laruex3
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
The most engaging interactive toy for my Border Collie
Color: Orange, Color: Orange
My Border Collie is not a big ball player. He prefers tug type games and actually gives me a look like, “Are you stupid? I’m not going to keep bringing that to you if all you’re going to do is throw it away again!” after about the third time I throw a ball for him to fetch. However, I can only play tug so often and I need him to be entertained and engaged as much as possible. I got him a smaller, non-padded ball like this hoping he would like the interactive aspect of it. He did- he actually loved it! But it was loud, hard on his teeth, would come apart periodically, and he kept hitting the off button when playing with it. It drove me crazy. This one is so much better overall! The soft outer shell is not only easier on his teeth, but it is super resilient to biting and chewing. He actually likes to carry this thing around in his mouth while it’s bouncing and vibrating. The three modes give great flexibility for different kinds of play. His favorite is the most active mode: the ball reacts to touch and practically bounces itself across the floor when he touches it with his paw or mouth. I will point out that in one of the modes, I thought the battery wasn’t charged or there was a motor issue because it’s very subdued movement; however, it’s just set up as a low-key option. Be sure to check out each mode to see which works best for your dog at different times. I can’t say enough about this ball- I have been so pleasantly surprised by how much he loves it. The rechargeable feature is super convenient, it’s big enough to not get stuck under the couch, and it automatically shuts off based on whichever mode it’s set on. As the owner of a busy, super-smart dog who needs to be engaged in mental and physical activity, I think this all is worth every penny. In fact, I’m buying one for a friend who has a Border Collie pup with lots of energy to burn! I highly recommend this toy- it’s the most engaging toy I’ve found that Finn will play with on his own.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
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Dani
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 2
Not as Smart or Interactive as You Think it Will Be
Color: Blue
This is an honest review from a schnauzer owner who has has wanted this cheerble ball for their dog for more than one year. I finally bougI finally bought this toy and both me and my dog are disappointed. The settings are...i would say dog friendly as I'd assumed a dog ball would be. What I mean by that is, for example: the calm play setting is muuch too calm. Super light puffs of energy, like a battery is dying. And the playful setting is scary, alarmingly so. The intervals in between are too long. The ball does not bounce. So they just have settings all wrong. The size is good for a large dog only. Do not buy if you have a small to medium dog. I even think the material is okay. I've only had it for a few days so I can't even speak to how the material holds up. Really hoping to love this ball for my dog. It was not the distraction I was hoping it would be so I could work from home while my dog had fun. I'm hoping this can help someone else who's been pining over it. Essentially, it's a $35-$50 well made weighted ball that moves occasionally.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
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Gromper
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Size for Tiny Dogs
Style: 14" Length Sport Launcher, Style: 14" Length Sport Launcher
Excellent size for tiny dogs who can only manage the tiny tennis balls. The launcher is easy to use, even for my 8 year old. It’s pretty much revolutionized ball time for the dogs and the kids - they actually like taking him out to play fetch now. It’s super light but still lets you toss the balls a lot farther than just throwing it. Great value for your money and it’s helps strong for weeks of repeated used, super durable.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026

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