HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey guys! Not sure if this question belongs in Crab Behavior, but since it involves edible stuff I will post it here.

I just moved my two PPs into a 40 gallon tank, in which I added a few pieces of cuttlebone for calcium. I had cuttlebone in my old 10 gallon, but it was definitely processed and more like a slab of calcium supplement stuff. The new one I got is an actual cuttlebone.

The crabs never showed much interest in cuttlebone in my 10 gal. However, when I put them in the 40 gal, both of them immediately went to the cuttlebone and started going to town. They were eating it for hours, and there is a visible and relatively large chunk missing from it now. Is this normal? One of my crabs who ate the most of it came up from a molt a few days ago, is this just him recovering calcium/other nutrients? Or, is this indicative of a calcium deficiency or other problem?

Sorry if I am being over-vigilant, just wanted to touch base with you guys and see what you all think


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It’s likely a mixture of needing calcium and just being excited about a new food item.
Cuttlebone has other minerals and is seafood-flavored to boot so they probably see it as a treat. They’ll slow down once they’ve had enough.


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Pigging on calcium or mineral sources is very common in crabs. It's not a sign of deficiency but rather a craving, even crabs who haven't been deprived will go through phases of eating an entire dish at once.

wodesorel wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 09, 2022 5:49 pm

Pigging on calcium or mineral sources is very common in crabs. It's not a sign of deficiency but rather a craving, even crabs who haven't been deprived will go through phases of eating an entire dish at once.

JoeHermits wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:15 am

It’s likely a mixture of needing calcium and just being excited about a new food item.
Cuttlebone has other minerals and is seafood-flavored to boot so they probably see it as a treat. They’ll slow down once they’ve had enough.


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Thank you guys so much, it's a relief to hear! I'm glad that there's no issues with them eating it like that.

My crabs love when i add a new cuttlefish bone, regardless of whether they have multiple in their tank already. Its probably cause it's still 'salty' and taste like the ocean.