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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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 23711065178

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mrcricket
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 3
Packaging contents
Color: Grey, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
Item is as described however this one appeared to be open and some parts possibly used. Example pole packaging mislabeled one had the letter K as a part there is no letter K item in the instructions. Another pole part had a taped on letter A which is completely different from the others thus indicating that it was opened or substituted. Finally after the partition was completely put together one of the bottom screw connection anchors came out making the partition unable to stand. I'm going to have to rig something up in order to get the anchor connected to the bottom panel. In closure the partion could be very acceptable and do the job if it was new and parts labeled correctly. I have pictures of all parts and packaging errors. Would buy again if new. I'm going to pursue some kind of compensation.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2026
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Wendy Gray
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product
Color: Grey, Size: 34"- 6 Panel
This room divider is great. It was easy to put together. I was worried about it standing up right and not falling over. It stays up perfectly and is very easy to move and adjust to the shape I want it. Also, from one of the videos I watched it looked like the fabric was puckered in the panels. That is not the case at all. The fabric fits tightly in each panel for a nice smooth look. I would definitely recommend this and would buy again if needed.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2025
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Alex caine
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 1
Awful.
Color: Black, Size: 22"- 4 Panel
Easiest one star review ever. I'm writing this with bloody fingers from assembling this. Multiple poles were bent, none of the pole connectors worked, the hex wrench broke in my hand, the screws didn't really go into the holes provided (I had to get a friend with a press drill to widen the holes to make it work), there are sharp edges on the poles where there is a seam, and doesn't look that great once assembled. Easy do not buy, the only reason I didn't return is because it would have been tough to disassemble the half I got through in the first 5 hours of building (mostly spent fixing the product delivered)
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2025
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C.L.
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent privacy shade.
Color: Coal Black
This delivered on exactly what it promises. So happy with the quality for the value. The shades are a fabric, nylon like, that are attached with a pocket on one end and velcro that adheres around the bar on the other. This was incredibly easy and straightforward to put together. Every piece was clearly labeled, coordinated with the instruction sheet, and fit perfectly. Honestly, I wasn’t planning to leave a review but I was so impressed by how clearly labeled and well explained the instructions were that I felt compelled to note it. Especially for anyone who doesn’t like putting things together, or is used to subpar instructions, this is leagues above the rest. It’s such a simple build anyway, but after buying so many things that barely fit as they should, this stands out. It is lightweight and easy to move. Offers privacy when opened, then can be folded out of the way. It looks exactly as pictured. No complaints, it’s a solid item and worth the price.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026
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Courtney A.
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Decent quality for the price
Color: Grey
Decent quality for the price. Other privacy screens were extremely out of my budget, but this looks and works just fine- I just needed something simple to place behind my couch to hide some clutter. It took me about a half hour to assemble, but it was easy enough. It might be due to my carpeting, but I don't trust that the screen would be stable enough to stand freely without falling. Thankfully my plan all along was to wedge the screen between the couch and a box of clutter anyway, so for me it works as l'd planned!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026

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