HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi all,
I came in to check on the crabbies tonight to change food/water and spot clean a little when I noticed a few tiny pieces of moldy food that I must have missed from last night. I went to clean them up and as I did, I noticed a few tiny bugs crawling around on them. I tried to get a good look at them but they were so tiny that it was hard to determine what they were. They are light brown in color and look like they have two body segments, if that helps. They did not look like any of the mites I've seen pictured on this site. I saw a few more in the tank and removed what I could, and did not see any more after that but I'm sure there are others. They seem to be concentrated by the food dish and none have turned up in the water dishes yet. Any idea as to what they might be? I have two crabs down for molts right now, and two more that may have dug down because I haven't seen them since yesterday evening. Should I be worried about my crabs' health? Any suggestions on how to get rid if the bugs, if it's possible? Thanks!

Do they look like any of the mites in this thread?
viewtopic.php?f=67&t=92530

If they aren't mites, then you could look here to identify them:
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92537

A general rule is that you should not worry unless you find mites on the hermit crabs. With that said, you should pay close attention to wear they are located, as that can be a key part in identifying what they are.

Maybe they look like springtails...


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After looking at those links, I believe they are booklice.

I'm glad to hear that they aren't mites. You're actually fortunate; Booklice will eat mold and fungi in the tank.

As I said earlier though, just make sure you don't find any bugs on the crabs.

Two of my crabs came up again today and they have no bugs on them.