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.

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SKU: 23711065178

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Writing and Shopping
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Super cute
Color: Pink/Pink Mirrored Pink, Lens Width: 53 Millimeters
These are sturdy and super cute
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Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
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RedRedHead
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Gorgeous!!
Color: Black/Dark Grey, Lens Width: 53 Millimeters
My new favorite sunglasses! Love the design and shape of these, they’re high quality and well made. Easily and securely fit my small framed face well and look so good on. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments and plan to purchase a second pair for my daughter who also loves them!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023
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UnderdogMom
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 4
beautiful color and style
Color: Dark Green/Azure Internal Mirrored Silver, Lens Width: 53 Millimeters, Color: Dark Green/Azure Internal Mirrored Silver, Lens Width: 53 Millimeters
These are really beautiful sunglasses, with a thick, sturdy green frame and gorgeous emerald green crystal accents at the temples. The hinge is set inside the crystal, so when you fold the glasses, the crystal splits into two parts. It's a neat feature and really unique. The lenses are green but lightly mirrored. I love the style and color of these glasses, as they are definitely unusual and people will notice them. They are, unfortunately, a little tight on my head. I am going to take them to my optician and see if they can be adjusted. I also believe these may have been tried on or used and returned, as the lenses are both smudged like someone handled them with dirty hands. The glasses do not seem to be damaged, but I would have expected a pristine pair at this price point. They come with paperwork and a lens cloth, along with a case for carrying and storage. Paperwork says they are made by Luxottica, which is a high-end, luxury eyewear company in Milan, Italy, that owns or licenses many popular luxury eyewear brands. They are lovely glasses with very good quality, a fun upscale look, and tons of style. I like them a lot and expect many compliments on this eye-catching pair!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
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Sami Joe
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Super cute
Color: Pink/Pink Mirrored Pink, Lens Width: 53 Millimeters
These are super cute and really love them except they are a tad too heavy I think for glasses. Made very well with quality materials, I found no cosmetic imperfections on the glasses. The overall look and stye of these are great and I really do love them I just can't wear them for too long due to the weight it becomes irritating.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
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Calbee Q
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
Very cute, but the colors are a bit limited!!
Color: Dark Green/Azure Internal Mirrored Silver, Lens Width: 53 Millimeters
These oval oval sunglasses are super cute ,They will look great on any shape of face. Green is one of my favorite colors, but green is also a great test of matching skills! The lenses of Swarovski sunglasses are coated with a 100% UV protective coating to protect your eyes from UV rays!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023

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