HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Pic for size approximation. Zippy, my largest crab. The indent he is sitting in measures 3cm in diameter.

IMG_20221205_175123 by Nireen D, on Flickr

So approaching this as an America who has bad experiences with Ecuadorians who are extremely similar to Aussie crabs in terms of behavior.... you've got 6 fairly larger crabs in a 25 gallon aquarium with 5.5 inches of substrate. (I know their shells are still smaller in size but crab size goes by l...

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information...

Ok, thank you for your reply! I was just curious to know if he could regrow his eye the way they do limbs. No matter what he chooses, he has a forever home with me. I have named him Pirate and other than his eye injury; he seems very active and robust. I gave him a good meal last night, which he spr...

Hi folks! Quick two-part question. I am looking at taking in a medium-sized (Aussie) crab who has had one of his eyes pinched in half. I have previously taken in two smaller crabs with missing limbs from less than desirable conditions and they both immediately molted and grew back their missing legs...

I love how you are getting them used to your presence and exploring their personalities! I too, have only had my crabs for a short time, but already through observation I can tell that they have very distinct personalities and confidence levels. I would love to handle them at some point in the futur...

Thank you both for responding!
Today I am giving Zips some extra calcium and protein and tomorrow after a little freshwater dip, I will introduce him back to the other crabs.

Hi! My first ever Molter Zippy (I'm new to crab keeping) has just resurfaced after three weeks under the substrate. He is in an isolation tank with another suspected Molter still underground. I have supplied water and food but am wondering what the next steps are for the coming days. Are there any p...

Welcome to the hobby! 1) Australian hermit crabs ( Coenobita variabilis ) usually do okay with higher temps so for that species you’re doing okay. If temps drop at night it’s even less of an issue, and they can always dig if they want to cool down. 2) I don’t know what happened or how Penny managed...

Hello everyone! Long time reader, first time poster, LOL. I have been referencing this wonderful forum for weeks now for help and advice on setting up my new crabitat and thought it was about time I joined in the fun! A fortnight ago I set up a 20 Gal tank with 4-5 inches of substrate (half sand, ha...