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Hermit Crab

Last post 06-24-2010 11:21 AM by Cikkus. 9 replies.
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  • 06-15-2010 12:39 PM

    Hermit Crab

    Hi friends, I wanted to ask if anyone has ever kept these friendly crustaceans any time? I bought it yesterday from a Lfs in San Gwann course they're so friendly, interesting behaviour and easy to keep had invited me to get one too. I've placed mine in a plastic aquarium, about 35cm x 20cm x 20cm, covered the base with coconut fibre "those used for terrariums", placed a shallow bowl of fresh water for it to drink and bath, and a piece of driftwood for it to climb on as they like to do so and as a final touch, spray some water on everything to moist the "crabitat",Wink

    I've did research and found a lot on them, they're semi terrestrial, meaning that they live on the ground but breed and their larvae grow in the sea, they are scavengers eating whatever they find addible, they need moist and humid condition, "in Malta humidity isn't a problem at all!", and if one see that the coconut fibre is getting very dry just spray some water on it. When the crab grows and one can see that it's getting tight in his shell, offer it another bigger one so that it can change its tight home, also make sure that uneaten foods is thrown away as this can rot, make smell and attracts a lot flies and mosquitoes especially if it's given meat of fruits, every 6 months just change the bedding and place new one and of course check that the water dish doesn't dry out!.

    These critters are considered the simplest pets to keep, even by children who can be responsible for their pet. These gentle crustaceans want pinch you unless they're going to slip and fall from your hand, so that they can hold tight and fast to whatever they can grab and this might be your finger Indifferent

    If kept correctly, they can live for the ripe age of 25 years. And here are some photos of my hermit crab

    The Crabitat, and there's him, enjoying a strowberry!Big Smile

  • 06-15-2010 1:30 PM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     I never had Hermit crabs, which seem are getting popular here in Malta. I would like to add some to my Crusta collection but not for now. When I have space in my fishroom.

  • 06-16-2010 10:30 AM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     

    Ohh .... very useful information Bert. I thought that they only live in the water. How would you know that the new shell you will offer in due time is ample space for the crab Bert ??

     

    martin

  • 06-16-2010 10:52 AM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     You have to choose a bigger one for the crab....compare it to the one it's using at the moment.

  • 06-16-2010 12:35 PM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     And if the one you chose is too big ???? Will he survive in it just the same ???

     

    martin

  • 06-16-2010 2:19 PM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

    One have to compare the shell entrance, This crab uses it's claw to block the entrance of the shell, like apple snails do. When that claw gets too big for it to put it inside the shell, then you have to change it with another larger one that he would fit in! if the shell is a bit bigger, don't worry, they physiquely is very robust and their exoskeleton is very hard, they can carry double it's weight with ease! and as if! they continue to grow the size of a tennis ball! so imagine what type of shell would it need!

    Here are some good links to get to know all about them!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermit_crab

    http://hermit-crabs.com/

    http://www.pethermitcrab.com/

    http://www.hermit-crab-care.com/

  • 06-16-2010 7:13 PM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     Hi Bertrand.

    New pet i see, are you going to take it out for walks instead of your dog, OR will you take it for a swim when you go to the sea. :) I must admit i never thought you could keep these crabs. I think i will stick to fish. What amazed me though is that it does not really need any water to live in.

    Thanks for the information and a view of another aspect of our hobby.

    Frank

  • 06-24-2010 12:49 AM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

    What I can't understand is how you get him another shell , do you find them for sale or you just find them near the beach ?
  • 06-24-2010 2:02 AM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     You find these for sale. I used to see these for sale at the Valletta market on Sundays.

  • 06-24-2010 11:21 AM In reply to

    Re: Hermit Crab

     Hi well i hope the hermit crab is doing well, I guess if you get a bigger shell when the time comes he will just come out of one and goes into the other. I once saw on the tv how they do it.In fact at that moment in time the crab is in danger because without the shell he can easily be eaten by a fish. However i guess here the crab has no danger as i guess he finds a shell on land.

     

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