Aztec Fiddler Crab

The Aztec Fiddler Crab (Uca pugilator) is a peaceful species that is not reef-safe, admired for its distinctively asymmetrical claws in males, sandy or mottled coloration, small size, and active burrowing and waving behavior.

Males typically have one enlarged claw used for mating displays and territorial signaling, while females/juveniles have two small, equally sized claws and tend to be less visible, often staying near burrows.

They reach about 1.5 to 2 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 10 gallons, especially when kept in small groups.

Provide a deep sandbed for burrowing, access to both land and shallow water areas (paludarium setup preferred), hiding spots, and brackish water with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and a secure lid since these crabs are excellent climbers and escape artists.

Diet should consist of algae, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp, and with proper care this crab makes a standout addition to a brackish or paludarium-style aquarium, where its natural behaviors can be fully appreciated.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.