Hermit crab: Tiny crustaceans that live in mobile homes in nature

If you provide an ideal habitat for hermit crabs, you can make them a good pet.

Sandals, shells and anchor magnets. These are the things we would expect to find in the beach town souvenir shop. In the 1970s, the usual souvenir people hoped to buy was the hermit crab.

Baby turtles used to be the pet of choice for children abroad. But in the decade of disco, their popularity took a hit due to concerns about salmonella. That's when the hermit crabs take off. They were sold like scones in coastal gift shops and soon spread inland. Now you can pick up small crustaceans in almost any pet store.

Unfortunately, hermit crabs, such as fighting fish, are often purchased on impulse. Before taking it home, make sure you have completed your research. Here is a brief introduction to their natural history and care.

The crabs are hearty!

Hermit crabs are associated with porcelain crabs and dwarf lobsters, forming the superfamily paguroidea. Worldwide, there are about 800 species, including the huge, mouse-eating coconut crab.

Enthusiasts call them "patriots", they are entirely aquatic creatures, while others spend most of their time on dry land. Shell occupation is one thing common to most species. To protect their fragile abdomen, most hermit crabs use shells originally made from mollusks, such as snails.

Hermit crabs purchased in the Americas usually belong to one of two species: the coenobita compressus or the coenobita clypeatus. The latter is a symbol of the Caribbean Sea, which wanders between islands and continental habitats. It has rounded eyes and most people's paws are dark purple. Therefore, they are nicknamed "purple-skinned" crabs, or PP for short. Other areas of the body may appear slightly red, gray, or tan except for the claws.

Head and tail days have a more even skin tone. Its claws are the same as the shadows of the limbs, head and abdomen. In addition, the eyes are oval in shape, higher than the broad eyes. Commonly known as the "Ecuadorian hermit crab" and sometimes referred to as "Eccie". How cute!

Ideal for a sojourn

Establishing a suitable sojourn for friends without an invertebrate can be a beneficial process. However, the challenges should not be taken lightly. Hermit crabs are usually sold in fragile plastic containers. Don't mistake them for permanent shells. Active crustaceans need more space.

Moreover, Hermès needs companionship. Yes, we know the word "hermit" means that these guys are a bunch of lonely people. But this is not the case. Tails, PP, and related species form colonies in the wild, giving them a certain level of safety when animals are looking for food and shelter.

To stay healthy, captive hermit crabs must socialize. So, don't just buy or adopt one of them. Instead, make sure your crab includes at least two Hermès crabs of the same species.

While using it, give yourself a glass-walled water tank. A pair of hermit crabs requires a device that is at least 30 cm high, 25 cm wide and 2051 cm long. Shells of these sizes are sold in "10 gallon" aquariums or glass containers in states.

Crazy "atmosphere"

As a tropical creature, hermit crabs prefer moist living spaces. Keep the humidity of the tank between 75% and 85% and monitor it with a good hygrometer. You'll also need a glass thermometer and make sure the temperature stays between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 to 27.7 degrees Celsius).

Sunlight and breezes can really damage the interior, so don't put the crab-shaped piano next to the window.

How to maintain a stable crab meat climate? When it comes to heating, you have several options. Some breeders use overhead lights, tank heaters, or a combination of both. Just stick to products specifically designed for hermit crabs and other cold-blooded animals.

The humidifiers, sprayers, and daily sprays of handheld plant sprayers help you get optimal humidity. For best results, place a sturdy lid on top of the shell and do not cover it with too many holes. You don't want to block out the outside air completely, but the screen lid will escape too much moisture – unless (mostly) it's covered by some sort of wrap or panel, they'll emanate.

Surfing and turf

Because chlorine is harmful to hermit crabs, tap water is prohibited. Expose your crabs only to dechlorinated water. Speaking of hydration, your pet will need two separate water trays. One fills fresh water and the other with salt water. Table salt containing iodine can harm hermit crabs, so you should not use it. Switch to sea salt.

The ideal dish should be deep enough for the crabs to immerse themselves in, but make sure they can climb out! (Natural sponges are great hermit crab ramps.) ）

Quality substrates are the goalkeeper's best friend. The right bedding makes it easier to maintain proper humidity levels and keeps Hermès addicted to their favorite hobby: digging holes. The Hermit Crab Society recommends that novice keepers use a mixture of coconut fiber and sand. The depth of the crab's futon should be at least twice the height of the maximum occupant.

Okay, so you've put the substrate away and bought the water tray. What's next? Decoration, decoration, glorious decoration! Hermit crabs are avid climbers, so they admire the branches and large chunks of driftwood. Underground shelters, such as hollowed-out logs, should also be provided.

Oh yes, and don't forget to add a light food plate. Hermes in captivity eats everything from sardines and scrambled eggs to applesauce and tofu. Keep in mind that their exoskeletons require a lot of calcium, just like your bones.