A fiddler crab, sometimes known as a calling crab, may be any of approximately 97 species of semi-terrestrial marine crabs within the genus Uca . Belonging to the family Ocypodidae, fiddler crabs are most closely related to the ghost crabs of the genus Ocypode.
As individual pets, hermit crabs have much more personality than fiddler crabs, but fiddler crabs are better-sutied for a shared environment including crabs and fish. There are over 90 species of fiddler crabs. All belong in the genus, Uca. This crustacean is named for the fiddle-shaped large claw present on males. This entire group is comprised of small crabs – the largest being slightly over two inches across. Fiddler crabs are found along sea beaches and brackish inter-tidal mud flats, lagoons and swamps.
Like all crabs, fiddler crabs shed their shells as they grow. If they have lost legs or claws during their present growth cycle a new one will be present when they molt. If the large fiddle claw is lost, males will develop one on the opposite side after their next molt. Newly molted crabs are very vulnerable due to their soft shells. They are reclusive and hide until the new shell hardens.
