Land Hermit Crab
Coenobita sp. (Decapoda: Coenobitidae)
Land Hermit Crabs are adorable, interesting crustaceans. Eggs are laid in the ocean; therefore, they will not and can not breed in captivity. Hermit crabs are nocturnal like many other pet arthropods. They occupy empty snail shells and must move into larger shells as they molt or when they feel like it. For this reason, it is important to have a variety of shells available for the crab. Hermit crabs can be kept together with others of the same size.
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | Cage size depends on number and size
of crabs; my crabs live in a 44 L (10 gal. tank). |
| Communal: | Yes |
| Diet: | Hermit crab food, fruit, veggies, fish food, etc. |
| Substrate: | 7 to 12 cm of sand |
| Decor: | Cholla wood, wood hideout, empty shells, food & water dishes |
| Temperature: | 21.1 to 26.7° C (70 to 80° F) |
| Humidity: | High |
| Temperament: | Varies from shy and sedate to active and curious |
| Considerations: | Painful pinch! Beware of claws! |
***Bloody
Badass***
I named him this because he pinched my finger and made it bleed the day I got him. He is quite cute. Shortly after these pictures were taken, Bloody moved into Twisty's empty shell. Twisty was the friend that I bought with Bloody; unfortunately, he did not live long after I got him. Bloody is a pretty boring crab because he never does anything, at least not when I am around. Then again, hermit crabs are nocturnal!
 |
 |
 |
| Nov. 6, 2002 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Nov. 6, 2002 | ||
***Rusty***
After Twisty died, I got Bloody a new friend on Novemeber 7, 2002. I named him Rusty because he is a very pretty red color. He is more active than Bloody, and will come out of his shell if I pick him up. He likes to explore. Sadly, like Twisty, Rusty did not live long with me either. He was much more active and fun to watch than Bloody.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Nov. 18, 2002 | ||||
***Little Crabs***
I keep smaller crabs now, as my 10 gallon is more suitable for a group of smaller individuals. They don't seem to live too long but they are fun to watch. I've kept the guys with purple pinchers and tan pinchers. Not sure of the exact species.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Apr. 4, 2004 | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Apr. 4, 2004 | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Apr. 4, 2004 | |||
Copyright © 2002-2006 By Emily Tenczar
LINKS: