HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I inadvertently brought home a small PP crab while on a cruise back in November. I picked up a pretty shell, checked it for life (I promise, I really did look!), finding no signs of life, I dropped it into my beach bag. This poor little crab managed to survive zipped up in this backpack for 5 days. I cleaned the bag out (not noticing the small shell) and hung it, thankfully unzipped, on a hook in the laundry room. That’s where my cats then found him, climbing out, and ready to fall to the floor. I felt so horrible for crab-napping this little guy! I thought for sure he would not survive. I gave him basic care with stuff I had around the house for a few weeks. After he survived that I got a 10-gallon tank, an uth, eco-bedding, and a wooden log to hide in. Now, here we are over 6 months later and my little crab has survived a molt! I guess I’m not doing too bad as a crab-parent. So, now I’m thinking he must be healthy so it’s time for me to step-up his home a bit and I have a few questions for you more experienced folks.
Here is my crab hiding in his hut. He has such a pretty purple pincher after his molt, I wish he would have come out more for the photo. He’s been so much more active after his molt.


1 - We’re headed to the beach soon and I’m thinking about buying him a friend. I know to get one that is a similar size, and I will try to find one that looks healthy (sharp points, hairs on legs). Anything else I should look for in picking one out? Or is this a terrible idea for some reason? What’s the easiest protocol for making sure it’s healthy when we get it home? I do not have two tanks, or two heaters, though with it being summer, I’m not too concerned about heat/humidity. I’m looking for the easiest, quickest way to introduce a new crab.

2 - my crabitat is a 10 gallon tank and I do not have plans to buy a new one in the near future. Currently I have 2-3 inches of eco earth along the bottom. I have the uth attached to the bottom on one side. When I do the next big clean, I’d like to make it deeper and mix it with play sand. But if it gets deeper I’ll have to move the uth to a side. Hopefully it will unstick and restick. I’d love to see some pictures of 10-gallon habitats. I really like how I’ve seen upper levels created. I think I will try to do that. I definitely have a lot of wasted space. Any best/proven ideas on that would be appreciated as well. I like the idea of a moss pit too, I’m going to read up a bit more on that.
This is my crabitat today. I know it looks very sad compared to what many of you have!

You do need deeper sub. I have 2 PPs that have each gone through molts & have 6 inches about to add 2 more!!


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He's a cute little goober!!


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I commend you on giving him a good home after the accidental "crabnapping"! You should find plenty of info and inspiration on here if you look around a bit!


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Hi! Welcome. Check out all our care guides for good info on crab keeping
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=92457

Hello welcome!
1. Many people choose to Isolate, i personally don't/can't. A quick visual inspection and a dip in SW and if there's no bugs on him and he looks fine, it goes into the tank. I just make sure that the crab is dipped in the FW/ SW pool so he smells the tank and aggression is reduced.
Also it's probably worth buying a crab of a different size, like a tiny, micro or something slightly bigger than he is now. If possible, adopting a crab from someone who doesn't want theirs is a good way to go; where you find many on craigslist and other similar sites. Plus in adopting a crab, you may get them for free and it may also include supplies (like shells, decor, bowls, even tanks!).
2. Don't worry, many people on here have started out worse than what you have. As long as he has proper heat and humidity, you probably done better than 75% of beginners. Don't feel too stressed out, it sounds like you have an awesome game plan. As long a you cover the basics, you have an amazing crabitat!

(The link soilentgringa posted is a great, highly recommend that you save it somewhere, its comes in handy often.)

Awwww! He's a cutie! I would definitely review the care guide link given above. We started with a 10 g tank kinda the same way you did except ours turned out to be a saltwater hermie The UTH for hermies should be placed on the backside of your tank, above substrate level. Not under the tank (didn't see your UTH from pic). Also, definitely first thing I would do is get the substrate level up to at least 6 inches. That will give your little guy plenty of room to molt and when you add a friend, it will give them more room for digging around and molting comfortably. Looks like your on the right path to giving your little hitch hiker a great home!! Love his hideout spot! When we added friends for our hermie, we dunked them in the fresh water pool and they did fine

Also, before going shopping for a new hermie, check out the HCA Facebook page - they have lots of adoptions postings! You will most likely end up with a healthier crab from an adoption from previous hermie owners vs. from the store

Thank you everyone! I've got a crab shopping list ready to go! With first things first being better and deeper substrate. I'm also going to find something to make a moss pit, and will definitely be attempting to move the uth to the back side.

While at the beach I'm hopeful to find some better shells for my crab, and a newcomer as well (no current adoptions in my area). I have a handful of extras in the tank now, and while my crab has changed into a few of them, he always goes back to his old, straight from the Caribbean, shell. I've got lots of pictures for size reference, and plan on measuring the opening before we go as well.

Thanks again for the help, this forum has been a wealth of information... maybe even too much for a beginner like me!

Good luck to you! And definite kudos for adopting the little guy. I never would have expected to find one in my shells from the beach!!
I had a hermie that I actually bought at Myrtle last September but didn't know much about them. Kept it in a critter keeper with not enough of anything!! He surfaced molted then died back in January. My BF & I decided to try again with a couple more after doing some research on this forum. Now I've got 2 active hermies who have just gone through molts with me. It's a lot to take in & learn, but such fun!! Everyone on here is so great!


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Hi, great for you on trying to learn more about them and researching now!! One thing I'd like to add; if you are planning to pick up shells from the beach, I wouldn't. Not only could (as you obviously have experienced) be the home of a hermit-- or a difficult-to-care-for marine crab, but it creates a shortage of shells for wild crabs. I'd try some sites like Etsy, Ebay, etc. Or go to Joann's for shells (they have a great pack with maybe 20 that are the perfect size for your cute guy!). Hope I'm not coming on to harsh, your crab is adorable and I hope he gets a friend! Good luck crabbing!

JulesRolyCrab wrote:Hi, great for you on trying to learn more about them and researching now!! One thing I'd like to add; if you are planning to pick up shells from the beach, I wouldn't. Not only could (as you obviously have experienced) be the home of a hermit-- or a difficult-to-care-for marine crab, but it creates a shortage of shells for wild crabs. I'd try some sites like Etsy, Ebay, etc. Or go to Joann's for shells (they have a great pack with maybe 20 that are the perfect size for your cute guy!). Hope I'm not coming on to harsh, your crab is adorable and I hope he gets a friend! Good luck crabbing!

^^^ Was just going to mention that, glad someone bet me too it!

But just be warned, the hermies that you see at the souvenir shops aren't in the best of condition, it's common for those crabs to die shortly after taking one home from PPS. Given them the best conditions possible and trying to find the most active one can reduce the chance of PPS, but I thought it may be important to mention.