HCA: Hermit Crab Association

We were able to help out and adopt this guy last week before his owner had to move. I'm always excited to add a new crab to our family but this was a really beautiful surprise. The first thing I noticed was his bright purple exo and then those unbelievable periwinkle blue antennae took my breath away! The pic isn't enhanced or altered at all. This is exactly what he looks like.

He used to be called Spike for his favorite shell but I was going to call him Vinny (he looks like he was dunked in wine...vino...vinny) and then my husband suggested Prince (the artist formerly known as, of course). Any other suggestions? He's pretty outgoing and only the 2nd male in a tank of 14. His very forward approach created problems with our resident matriarch and her posse but it's all good now.

I just wanted to share the pics. His owner said he was fed primarily commercial food, nothing special and he never noticed how different he looked. I don't want him to lose his coloring. I'm going to stock up on blue foods!


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So vibrant!

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WOW!!!!

Wow, gorgeous!
I'd almost think that is a Viola, but the eyes look like PP eyes.

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Freshly molted? He'll probably darken to a mulberry in a few weeks. I occasionally get vibrant molters like this, but its very random and never lasts.

Oh, NO! That's not what I wanted to hear...he didn't mention he was freshly molted but he does have eyelashes and a couple of pointy nails. Although, I have several others that still have their lashes and nails >6 mos post-molt.

I'm really, REALLY trying to find ANY evidence that they aren't going to fade! His owner had him for 7 years and didn't mention that he looked any different than he always did. I noticed when one of mine came up sporting weird purple and white legs. I kept waiting for the white to darken but it never did. Fingers crossed I have the only bright purple crab with permanently blue antennae!



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This was from xeno, not sure if she updated what happened
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 8&t=119349

And my guys, who eventually all blended in together
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 8&t=116734

I wish they would stay this way!

Woohoo! I'm so happy this crab is yours. I'm still waiting for a crab to go up for adoption in my area, but I don't think I'll find one this beautiful ever. I have faith this guy will stay beautiful. He's found a good home

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I'm happy to have him too! Beyond how gorgeous he is, he has a wonderful temperament. It's funny how different all their colors are. I only recently started photographing their setae patterns and his are pretty easily identifiable, fortunately. I hope it's a good long while before the coloration goes. I will definitely miss it!

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he's handsome!

Gorgeous crab! Just so you know, it just isn't blue foods though There are a lot of foods are known for enhancing color.