HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I am trying to see if I'm able to pull off a crabitat remodel soon. I'm wondering, what conditions should I try to recreate to make it conducive to breeding? I have two male and two female Es.
I've been reading the other breeding threads, but wondered if there's anything special I should add for Es?

Luck? Most people that have success seem to offer a balanced diet, deep substrate and often have a ideal sw pool.

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I think the only thing I'm lacking is a fabulous saltwater pool. I'm brainstorming ideas to upgrade from the dishes I have, which are sufficient, just not great.
I'm thinking some 5 gallon glass aquariums? I keep freshwater fish, so I'd be able to cycle a freshwater pool, but I've never had salt, so I'm not sure.

My Es produced zoea once I found two very large dominate males. I think the displays of dominance kicked the medium sized ladies into a natural cycle, as before thar I had never had any eggs that I found. However, they also started killing each other, too. So...

I see... yikes. I wouldn't want that to happen!
I have two medium sized males. Lately they've been bothering each other, but mostly just antennae wars and a bit of shoving. The girls couldn't care less.
I'll just leave them alone and see what happens. Maybe the upgrade will cause them to change their minds, maybe not.

My pools are a gallon. Mlakers and I both offer modified hamster wheels (lots of exercise), and UVB lighting. As far as substrate- mine is about 12" deep. I'm also hands off with my crabs.


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Thanks GB. I'll try that if I'm able to upgrade.

Yw! Good luck!!!


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When my Es went they were in a basic 55 gallon with no lighting (but in a decently lit room near a window) and had smaller 2 cup dishes that were deep enough to submerge in. For how many times my crabs have pumped out babies with me doing nothing more than what the careguide offers I really don't think it has anything to do with special conditions. It comes down to luck on if you get fertile individuals of either sex who are interested and have properly timed molts.

Thanks wodesorel. I'll do my best.
However, it seems all my E's are interested in currently is shoving each other off the climbing furniture and then chirping as loud as the can if anyone gets near them.
They don't strike me as interested in becoming parents, but we'll see.

Luck certainly plays into it! My zoeae are either Es or PPs...both live in that tank. I think they are PP zoeae though. Just a feeling. The last time I saw eggs was a year ago, and they were on the sand. Either way...Good luck!!!


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Thank you. I'm not sure I'd be able to handle raising Zoeae after seeing how hard it is... but I'll cheer you and mlakers on from the sidelines!

Hey~ everyone trying has valuable feedback to add!!!


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how about a ten gallon tank? Does my crab need a bigger tank to even think about breeding? thats all iv'e got.

Princess R. wrote:how about a ten gallon tank? Does my crab need a bigger tank to even think about breeding? thats all iv'e got.

Generally, larger tanks are more likely to have eggs produced. Whether its due to the tank size or simply the amount of crabs - increases breeding potential- is undetermined.

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