HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So I have a friend just back from the Maldives. Knowing I love crabs he took a couple of (bad) pics for me. I have narrowed it down to probably ruggies, but also found info that pseudorugusa are found there. Curious if anyone can tell what the main difference is, or has any idea what would live ther...

I just adopted 4 small crabs presumed to be purple pinchers who weren't well cared for in terms of temp/humidity being consistent. One is very odd, a washed out pink all over, including the claw. I realize this could be inadequate pigments in the diet, but all 4 actually had a decent diet including ...

Re: the tank, the size was dictated by a nice heavy table I wanted to put it on. As you know, once you add enough sand the tanks weigh several hundred pounds and need a sturdy base. My table/cabinet is 36" long and 28" deep so it is that size; I would have gone wider if I could. Since I could not, I...

After years of crabbing and being fed up with tats that did not work well or look very good, I decided to take the plunge and do a custom build for my 2 jumbo and one large PP and one medium strawberry. I wanted to make my idea of the perfect habitat; but since there is no such thing, I am open to s...

In my tank if there is any smell it is always a piece of dried shrimp that has been stashed somewhere; I remove it, and smell goes away.

Oh trust me it is even funnier to me as I have had a hysterectomy and have not bought these in 10 years! Thank God they did not ask me at the register why I needed them, can you imagine saying for my crab tank??????

And yes they actually do work:)

How did you know I am obsessed?? When in England I made my husband travel hundreds of miles out of the way to go out on an island near Northumberland and walk among the breeding pairs. They could care less, were running and hopping around as they do, and you could see ticked-off moms peering out of ...

This is going to sound REALLY bizarre-but I have this problem to a much lesser extent, occasionally spilling the water bowl, etc. so the bottom inch of the sand is wetter than I would like. I went out today and bought tampons to use!!! I thought, they are easy to stick down into the sand, and once f...

I am in shock. I did this with my least shy crab, a strawberry, and she perked up (Stood a little higher, looked intensely) and then started to amble over! Came all the way to the glass. Then my mind really clicked into gear. I need to reward her for the behavior so I can train her to come. What cou...

Since they wander in and out of the surf I think strong water and bubbles probably seems much more natural to them!

Strawberries' eyes are not very shiny anyway, sort of cloudy steel grey is normal. And for what it is worth, mine NEVER dig unless it is to go molt. They have a couple of fav places that they sit (for hours by the way) and the male inexplicably hangs on the fishnet near the top, every day. I don't k...

Also..if you can't sleep, try going into their room around 2 AM to see what's happening. It is mesmerizing when they are all out, running around and about their business. I have to do this sometimes since only my strawberries come out during the day! When you see them eating, drinking, and climbing ...

I have a couple of crabs that have a very determined preference for one spot; almost as if it is THEIR spot and I have actually seem them shove someone else out of their spot, only to sit there and do nothing. In other words, not guarding a food source or a fabulous hiding spot, just a spot.

If you are gone for one week I would 100% leave them at home. As long as everything is very stable and on auto-pilot (humidity, temp, etc.) your main worry is to have plenty of fresh water (as well as having salt water of course). Two or more dishes that can't be overturned and you will be covered i...

My guys refuse to use African Turbos-but they are so gorgeous I just leave them in as tank décor! What a haul..