HERMIT CRABS

CARING FOR HERMIT CRAB
LAND HERMIT CRABS
TREE CRABS
‘COENOBITA CLYPEATUS'

CARE SHEET

Unlike what their name implies they are not ‘hermits' and usually travel in packs of 100 or more. It is best to keep hermit crabs in groups of three because they need the interaction of other crabs.

They are not 'Aquatic' crabs and only go to sea to breed.

Unlike marine crabs , land hermit crabs are not aggressive and can be handled relative safely on the palm your hand. If they feel like they might fall, however, they will pinch, so be sure you
keep you hand flat. They have one big, purple claw which is used for climbing and defense, and a smaller brown claw used to take food and water into their mouth.

Land hermit crabs cannot reproduce in captivity. Reproduction is the only time they require the sea. Like other crustaceans, hermit crabs grow by shedding their exoskeleton. During this time they need to be kept extra moist and in a medium they can burrow into. It may be necessary to isolate them from any other crabs at this time as they are most vulnerable. As crabs grow they require larger shells to live in. Provide various spare shells as they need one that feels just right. Never remove a crab from its shell as it will sometimes allow itself to be torn apart rather than leave the safety of its shell.

They thrive on commercially prepared foods, especially when alternated with fruits, vegetables, bread or peanut butter. There water should be kept in a shallow dish to prevent drowning.

Hermit crabs like a moist environment. The bottom of their cage should be covered with a thick layer of sand or small, smooth stones.

Hermit crabs live in the cast off shells of mollusks. Because the shells do not grow with their bodies, spare (larger) shells must be kept in the cage for them to move into as they grow. Crabs grow by molting their outside skin. When this happens they will burrow to protect their new skin while it hardens. They are inactive during this period.

Land Hermit Crabs can be found throught out The Caribbean Area and South America. They have 4 antenni and 10 legs. Two of the legs are claws, The larger claw is used for climbing and defense. The small claw is used for carrying food and water into it's mouth. Four of the legs are walking legs the others are usually hidden within the shell . The two smallest are used to hold onto the shell.

There is no way to tell the age or sex of a hermit crab.

Even though they are small creatures they need room to walk around and climb.
We suggest a minimum of a 10 gallon tank. Theyt do not do well in the small plastic containers they are sold in, in the malls. The tank should have 4-6" of sand on the bottom (you can also use small pebbles, chrused coral / clam shells/oyster shells etc. Land crabs love to climb so you can place pieces of drift wood, coral rocks or 'climbing fences' in the tank.

Do NOT use heat lamps, full-spectrum lamps, or corn-cob bedding as these act as desiccants and dehydrate the crabs.

You need a shallow water dish, we recommend placing a natural sponge in the dish so they don't drown, it also keeps the inside of the tank moist. Also a small dish for food (we use small sea shells). We also recommend providing Salt water (which acts like an antibiotic)

Hermit crabs are basically night creatures in the wild. They don't usually come out during the day so a normall aquarium light is fine but should be turned off ti simulate night and day.

Remeber they are 'Caribbean' creatures so they enjoy a warm environment between 70-90 degrees.

They need plenty of water in there tank sokeep their water dish full and the sponge wet.

Crabs are scavengers and will eat just about anything. Commercially prepared foods (including our custom blend), green vegatables, fruits, peanut butter.Treats such as coconut, romaine lettuce, apple, white bread, plain popcorn (or with sea salt), etc.,...can be fed on alternate days. Oyster shell, egg shell, or cuttlebone is recommended for calcium. Remove fresh foods daily so they don't rot.

Remeber Hermit Crabs are pets not toys. Handle With Care. When playing with them keep your hands flat if they think they are going to fall they will pinch to try and hold on, depending on the size of the crab it can be painful.

If you take them out of their tank to play make sure to keep an eye on them, they can get up to a 'trot' and will disappear in the blink of an eye.