Moon Crabs???

[parrothead]

Please someone tell me more!

http://www.kenthebugguy.com/crabs/moon-crabs-small.html

http://www.animartpetstores.com/sites/d ... 0sheet.pdf

I WANT I WANT I WANT

[kuza]

ya they are pretty cool looking, but they don't climb much so I'll stick with our little sand monkeys for now, no need to have another tank to clean right now

[parrothead]

There seems to be little information about them but from what I gather, they are much like hermit crabs but without the shell. You're right, they don't climb, but they seem to be land dwellers and molt similarly to hermit crabs. I am going to continue to gather some information about them, but I am absolutely getting some! I LOVE the colors!

[parrothead]

If this does't make you want 'em I don't know what will! lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdrTptoBwaA

[parrothead]

Since their conditions are so similar to hermit crabs, suppose they could be kept together? I see no reason why not... Ideas?

[kuza]

these crabs are pretty aggressive from what I've read.

[parrothead]

They are if they feel their territory is threatened. This can be alleviated by not over populating.

[kuza]

I would think they would fight with the hermits a lot or the other way around, they have no way of communicating with each other. We've seen how just different species of hermits will have difficulty too.

[parrothead]

OOOHHHHHH just discovered they like to climb!

source: http://www.reptilecity.com/Merchant2/me ... t_Code=HMC

[wodesorel]

Haven't had any first-hand experience with these guys, but ooooohhhh I want to.

They are more terrestrial than aquatic so they can take a set-up close to what our hermits have. There's some mixed reports in the past of people having moon crabs and hermits together, but none of these owners updated so I don't know if it worked out long-term.

I found this blog: http://hmcadventures.blogspot.com/
She must be doing something right if she's had that many molts!

I know my local pet shop won't order them anymore as the ones she was getting would keep dying in the store, even with ideal conditions in their enclosure. I have a feeling that they are very much like the other species of crab and are extremely sensitive to transport. There's also not a lot of research out there on them - we know a little, but like with fids some experimentation wouldn't be out of the question in order to improve how they do in captivity. (You can't go wrong if you base your choices on their native environment. )

If you do get some, you have to share photos!!

[parrothead]

Thanks for the input, your thoughts are always appreciated I have done some research and there doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there. I have a good foundation, and agree that they seem to require similar environments as the hermit crabs do, that's where the question came in to segregate them. I am already making plans for my 29g There is a Repticon show in my area in early February and I have VIP tickets I hear vendors typically have them. I would feel more comfortable buying at a show as opposed to shipping in these cold temps. I've found some valuable vid's on Youtube and that's helped a lot. It will be a few months before I will start the tank but I will def keep you updated. I have LHC, MHC, dogs, cats, chickens, and children, I think I'll figure it out