{"id":855,"date":"2026-02-16T22:36:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T22:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/antler-crab-manucomplanus-varians\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T22:36:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T22:36:54","slug":"antler-crab-manucomplanus-varians","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=antler-crab-manucomplanus-varians","title":{"rendered":"Antler Crab Manucomplanus Varians"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antler Crab (Manucomplanus varians)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as Decorator Crab, Coral Crab, or Spiny Antler Crab)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Antler Crab (Manucomplanus varians<\/em>) is a fascinating and unusual marine crab species<\/strong> best known for its elongated, antler-like legs<\/strong> and habit of camouflaging itself with bits of coral, algae, and sponge<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Native to the Indo-Pacific region<\/strong>, including the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and Fiji<\/strong>. Commonly found in reef crevices, coral rubble zones, and rocky shallows<\/strong>, where it hides during the day and forages at night.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Antler Crab is an omnivorous scavenger<\/strong> that feeds on organic debris, small invertebrates, and algae. In captivity, it adapts well to a varied diet. Feed 3\u20134 times per week<\/strong> with:<\/p>\n

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  • \n

    Mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Sinking marine pellets or algae wafers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Dried seaweed (nori)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Occasional meaty foods like clam or krill<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Supplemental feeding ensures it doesn\u2019t resort to nipping at sessile invertebrates or corals.<\/p>\n

    Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Low to moderate lighting.<\/strong> Manucomplanus varians<\/em> is nocturnal and prefers subdued light levels with shaded areas for daytime shelter.<\/p>\n

    Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moderate flow.<\/strong> Provide consistent water circulation to mimic reef environments while maintaining calm zones within rockwork for the crab to rest during the day.<\/p>\n

    Placement & Habitat Setup<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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    • \n

      Provide plenty of live rock and coral rubble<\/strong> for hiding, perching, and camouflage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      The crab often decorates its body with small algae or sponge fragments for concealment \u2014 ensure natural materials are available.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Use fine to medium-grain substrate<\/strong> to allow movement and foraging.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Avoid bare tanks, as the crab relies on cover for security.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Reef safe with caution.<\/strong> Compatible with:<\/p>\n

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      • \n

        Peaceful reef fish (gobies, blennies, tangs, clownfish, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Other non-aggressive crabs and shrimp<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Snails and starfish (with observation)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Caution with:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          Polyps, soft corals, and zoanthids \u2014 may nip when hungry<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Slow-moving or small crustaceans<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Predatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses) that may prey on crabs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          Generally peaceful but opportunistic.<\/strong> The Antler Crab rarely initiates aggression but may scavenge on vulnerable tank mates or stationary invertebrates. Maintain good feeding routines and observe interactions.<\/p>\n

          Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          Intermediate.<\/strong> While hardy and adaptable, Manucomplanus varians<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

          Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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          • \n

            Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201381\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Salinity:<\/strong> 1.024\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Ammonia \/ Nitrite:<\/strong> 0 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Nitrate:<\/strong> <10 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 75 litres (20 gallons)<\/strong> for one specimen; larger systems preferred for stability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Lifespan & Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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            • \n

              Size:<\/strong> Up to 7\u201310 cm (3\u20134 inches)<\/strong> leg span<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Lifespan:<\/strong> 2\u20133 years in captivity under optimal care<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Reef Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              Reef safe with caution.<\/strong> 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 mixed reef tanks with abundant live rock<\/strong> or invert-focused systems<\/strong> where its unique shape and camouflage can be appreciated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Antler Crab (Manucomplanus varians) (Also known as Decorator Crab, Coral Crab, or Spiny Antler Crab) Overview The Antler Crab (Manucomplanus varians) is a fascinating and unusual marine crab species best known for its elongated, antler-like legs and habit of camouflaging itself with bits of coral, algae, and sponge. With its spindly frame, textured carapace, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":854,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[75],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-855","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-marine-crabs","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=855"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=855"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}