{"product_id":"antler-crab-manucomplanus-varians","title":"Antler Crab Manucomplanus Varians","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eAntler Crab (Manucomplanus varians)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Decorator Crab, Coral Crab, or Spiny Antler Crab)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Antler Crab (\u003cem\u003eManucomplanus varians\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fascinating and unusual \u003cstrong\u003emarine crab species\u003c\/strong\u003e best known for its \u003cstrong\u003eelongated, antler-like legs\u003c\/strong\u003e and habit of \u003cstrong\u003ecamouflaging itself with bits of coral, algae, and sponge\u003c\/strong\u003e. With its spindly frame, textured carapace, and natural disguise, this crab blends seamlessly into live rock environments, making it a unique and functional addition to specialised reef or display tanks. While peaceful and nocturnal by nature, it should be housed with care, as it may opportunistically feed on soft corals or polyps when hungry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the \u003cstrong\u003eCoral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and Fiji\u003c\/strong\u003e. Commonly found in \u003cstrong\u003ereef crevices, coral rubble zones, and rocky shallows\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it hides during the day and forages at night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Antler Crab is an \u003cstrong\u003eomnivorous scavenger\u003c\/strong\u003e that feeds on organic debris, small invertebrates, and algae. In captivity, it adapts well to a varied diet. Feed \u003cstrong\u003e3–4 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking marine pellets or algae wafers\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDried seaweed (nori)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional meaty foods like clam or krill\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplemental feeding ensures it doesn’t resort to nipping at sessile invertebrates or corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eManucomplanus varians\u003c\/em\u003e is nocturnal and prefers subdued light levels with shaded areas for daytime shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide consistent water circulation to mimic reef environments while maintaining calm zones within rockwork for the crab to rest during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Habitat Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide plenty of \u003cstrong\u003elive rock and coral rubble\u003c\/strong\u003e for hiding, perching, and camouflage.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe crab often decorates its body with small algae or sponge fragments for concealment — ensure natural materials are available.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse \u003cstrong\u003efine to medium-grain substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e to allow movement and foraging.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid bare tanks, as the crab relies on cover for security.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful reef fish (gobies, blennies, tangs, clownfish, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther non-aggressive crabs and shrimp\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnails and starfish (with observation)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaution with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolyps, soft corals, and zoanthids — may nip when hungry\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow-moving or small crustaceans\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses) that may prey on crabs\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenerally peaceful but opportunistic.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Antler Crab rarely initiates aggression but may scavenge on vulnerable tank mates or stationary invertebrates. Maintain good feeding routines and observe interactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e While hardy and adaptable, \u003cem\u003eManucomplanus varians\u003c\/em\u003e requires a mature tank with stable water conditions and ample rockwork. Its unique behaviour and diet make it best suited to aquarists with some marine experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia \/ Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 litres (20 gallons)\u003c\/strong\u003e for one specimen; larger systems preferred for stability\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to \u003cstrong\u003e7–10 cm (3–4 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e leg span\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 years in captivity under optimal care\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Antler Crab is primarily a scavenger and algae grazer, contributing to tank cleanliness, but may occasionally nip at corals if underfed. Best suited for \u003cstrong\u003emixed reef tanks with abundant live rock\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003einvert-focused systems\u003c\/strong\u003e where its unique shape and camouflage can be appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864438780279,"sku":"FSH-01833","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Antler-Crab-Manucomplanus-Varians.png?v=1773331990","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/antler-crab-manucomplanus-varians","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}