{"product_id":"orangutan-crab-achaeus-japonicus","title":"Orangutan Crab - Achaeus japonicus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrangutan Crab (Achaeus japonicus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Orangutan Crab, Achaeus japonicus, is a fascinating miniature marine crab recognised by its long slender legs and dense reddish-orange, hair-like covering. Also known as the Orang-utan Crab or Orangutan Decorator Crab, it uses its textured body and collected reef material to blend into coral growth and surrounding rockwork. This shy Indo-Pacific invertebrate is frequently associated with bubble corals and other large-polyp coral habitats, where it shelters among the tissue and tentacles while collecting suspended food and organic particles. Its unusual appearance and compact size make it an appealing specialist reef animal, although its close interaction with corals should be monitored carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrangutan Crab, Orang-utan Crab, Orangutan Decorator Crab, Hairy Orangutan Crab.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAchaeus japonicus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe central carapace usually reaches approximately 1.5–2 cm across, with the long legs creating a larger overall span.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWestern and central Indo-Pacific, with records from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Caledonia and surrounding tropical reef regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrangutan Crabs inhabit coral-rich coastal reefs and remain closely associated with complex reef structure. They are frequently observed living among bubble corals and may also shelter within other large-polyp corals, sponges or encrusting growth where their hairy body provides effective camouflage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable salinity, alkalinity and consistently good water quality are important. Avoid copper-based medications.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful, shy and generally non-territorial. Orangutan Crabs normally remain close to a preferred coral or sheltered section of rockwork and are unlikely to threaten healthy reef fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey may show minor disputes with other tiny crabs competing for the same host coral or feeding area. Larger predatory fish and crustacean-eating tank mates may view them as prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivorous micro-scavenger and suspension feeder. In nature, the Orangutan Crab is thought to consume plankton, fine organic particles, mucus, detritus and tiny organisms collected from its host coral and surrounding water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer finely chopped mysis shrimp, copepods, Artemia, powdered coral foods, finely crushed marine pellets and other small suspended foods. Target feeding with a pipette near the crab’s chosen coral can help ensure it receives adequate nutrition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed very small portions because excessive food can settle within coral tissue and affect water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 50 litres is recommended for one specimen, provided the aquarium is mature, stable and contains suitable coral or complex rockwork for shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger reef aquariums provide more stable water conditions and a greater variety of natural feeding and hiding opportunities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA small, cryptic crab that spends much of its time hidden among coral tissue, tentacles, sponge growth or rock crevices. It is often most active during subdued lighting and after dark, when it moves across its host coral and nearby reef surfaces searching for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts long legs and body are covered with fine reddish or reddish-brown hairs, producing the shaggy appearance behind the Orangutan Crab name. Small pieces of debris or biological material may become attached to these hairs, further improving its camouflage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe crab may remain difficult to see even when positioned in open view, particularly among brown, red or orange coral tissue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrangutan Crabs are generally considered suitable for established reef aquariums and do not normally consume healthy coral tissue as a primary food source. However, they live directly among coral polyps and may irritate sensitive tissue through repeated movement or feeding activity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey may also collect mucus, loose tissue or biological material from their host coral. Compatibility can vary between individual crabs and coral species, so the host coral should be monitored for prolonged retraction, damaged tissue or declining condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature reef aquarium containing complex live rock and sheltered coral habitat. Bubble corals and other large-polyp corals may be used as host sites, but the crab should not be purchased solely for placement in a particular coral because host selection cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObserve the host coral carefully after introduction. Occasional polyp movement or temporary retraction may be harmless, but persistent closure, torn tissue or exposed skeleton may indicate that the crab should be relocated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget feed very small foods near the crab during the evening. Its tiny size and secretive behaviour make it vulnerable to starvation when housed with fast-feeding fish or in an exceptionally clean aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid triggerfish, puffers, hawkfish, larger wrasses and other crustacean predators. Large ornamental crabs may also injure or consume this delicate species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcclimate slowly because small marine crustaceans are sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and water chemistry. Do not expose the crab to copper-based medication.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtect pump and overflow intakes with fine guards. A secure aquarium cover is recommended because small crabs may climb through rockwork and equipment areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe crab is vulnerable after moulting while its new shell remains soft. Provide narrow crevices and protected coral structure where it can remain concealed during this period. Do not attempt to remove what appears to be a dead crab until checking whether it is an empty moulted shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate marine fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare or occasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the animal you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47160919916717,"sku":"AG-104384","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47160919949485,"sku":"AG-104385","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47160919982253,"sku":"AG-104386","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/OrangutanCrab-Achaeusjaponicus.jpg?v=1785833429","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/orangutan-crab-achaeus-japonicus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}