HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I was watching Merle change shells last night, and noticed a bumpy mass stuck to their abdomen. I don't think it was a molt sac, as I've seen my other crabs change shells while carrying molt sacs. Those were yellowy-white and not bumpy, this was tan-gray and as I've already stated, bumpy. Do you think it's possible that they are carrying eggs? I just adopted them so wouldn't they have dropped them due to stress in the car ride or would they continue to hang on to it? Is it possible for egg-carrying crabs to change shells while they're carrying?
Edit - Now that I think about it, the likelihood of Merle being female seems pretty strong. I've read that females tend to be more hairy than males, and Merle happens to be significantly hairier than the rest of my crabs.

I'm going to tag @Renroc on this one.

I've heard that males are more hairy, but you really can't go by just that. They carry the eggs until they are developed. You didn't happen to notice the pleopods? Only females have pleopods.

No idea sorry coz each lot of zoea I've had no idea mine even had eggs. First I knew was when I saw things in the salt pool


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I haven't checked for gonopods nor pleopods no. I didn't look for them because I was focused on the mass. I may check for gonopores tonight, I haven't properly sexed any of my crabs as I never really felt the need to. I don't think (if they are carrying) that I'm going to attempt this one, due to having an old house and a large family I wouldn't be able to accommodate the wattage of a water heater for a (makeshift) kriseltank.

Another way you can kinda guess gender is that male pps tend to be much darker than females. And if they are carrying I would go for it! It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise baby crabs!


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I may try if they end up dropping... I found a 25 watt 5 gallon water heater, and am wondering how well that would work if I used a vase or plastic fish bowl for holding the actual zoea. I think that should work especially since I won't have to fill up the tank all the way... as far as saltwater goes would instant ocean work? I can't afford to get them live food, so I think I will take after Renroc and try some kind of betta/fish flakes. If I remember correctly the steps to make a siphon for water changes is covered in a previous post I made. For water circulation I could steal the crab's air stone. Anything else?

As dedicated as you are, and how you research everything ~ you can do it! You have to tag @Renroc for questions. Good luck!


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PinchersAndShells wrote:I may try if they end up dropping... I found a 25 watt 5 gallon water heater, and am wondering how well that would work if I used a vase or plastic fish bowl for holding the actual zoea. I think that should work especially since I won't have to fill up the tank all the way... as far as saltwater goes would instant ocean work? I can't afford to get them live food, so I think I will take after Renroc and try some kind of betta/fish flakes. If I remember correctly the steps to make a siphon for water changes is covered in a previous post I made. For water circulation I could steal the crab's air stone. Anything else?

Have a look at my thread for my set up. It wasn't complicated at all and it worked.

You got this PinchersandShells! I want dibs on buying a baby!!!


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I was searching for betta food that is available. As far as ingredients go, how does this one sound? "1-1/2mm pellet - Krill, Shrimp, Fish, Herring, Squid, Spirulina blue-green algae, Green Pea, Rice Meal, Wheat Flour, Distillers Dried Grains with Soluables and Brewers Dried Yeast."

Is that for while they are in the water? It sounds like lots of variety so you would probably have less problems with picky baby's. Anything further on the eggs? Do you know they are there for sure?


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PinchersAndShells wrote:I was searching for betta food that is available. As far as ingredients go, how does this one sound? "1-1/2mm pellet - Krill, Shrimp, Fish, Herring, Squid, Spirulina blue-green algae, Green Pea, Rice Meal, Wheat Flour, Distillers Dried Grains with Soluables and Brewers Dried Yeast."

You need to tag @Renroc for advice! Only she knows!

This worked for me


But this was even better because it is finer but remember I'm in Australia so brands might be different here.

I know that we have Hikari here. I use that for my Parrot Cichlid.

Hermiearth wrote:Another way you can kinda guess gender is that male pps tend to be much darker than females. And if they are carrying I would go for it! It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise baby crabs!


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I just want to clarify for everyone that the only real way to tell gender is the gonopores/pleopods. Otherwise, it is completely up to chance on their colors, hairiness, etc.