Species Primer -- Strwberry vs. PP

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 6:15 pm

I've been wondering what the difference between a PP crab and a strawberry is. I haven't seen this topic covered on any website I can find, and would like to know which of the two I actually have. If someone could highlight the major characteristics of both and differences (provided they aren't the same species), maybe I could settle this issue. My friend, whose been 'crabbing' slightly longer than I have, couldn't tell, so I turn to you guys.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 6:17 pm

There is a species identification to the right. There are also pictures of each species in the image gallery at the bottom.

PP and Strawberry are not the same. Strawberry requires more care and higher humidity and are more delicate.

Zealous Euphemism · Post by **Zealous Euphemism** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:31 pm

Well....
PP's require around 75% humidity and 75 temp
PP's are usually purple, red, or light pink, or mixed.
PP's are from the Carribean
PP's are scavengers and eat almsot everything
PP's need fresh, dechlorinated water.
Here are some PP's

Straws require 80% humidity at the least
Straws are bright red with white spots, looking like a bright strawberry, hence its nickname.
Straws are native to the pacific islands
Straws are tank wreckers ^_^
Straws are also scavengers, but need food rich in carotene to stay bright red.
Straws need salt water in a dish deep enough to submerge in.
HERE are some Straws.

As you can see, they don't really look that much alike.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:59 pm

Getting PetCo "Strawberry" crabs? Lol, I went to the Hermit crab tank of PetCo's "EXOTIC Strawberry Hermit Crabs" and there wasn't a single Straw. Many PP's of various sizes though.

Best way to tell them apart in my opinion, the eyes. Straws have elongated () eyes, usually greyish/cloudy especially if near a molt. PP's have round ',' comma shaped eyes.