HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey guys, I've just been given a truly Jumbo wild caught PP.
There is no option of releasing him back into the wild.

I have never seen a hermit this big. Of course, Gigantor is in a shell that is pitifully small (his big claw alone measures about 1 1/2" with calipers).

So I have two problems ; what size shell he should be in??
and what shells do Jumbo PP's like ?


Please help !!

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Pics! Pics! With size comparison!



And as far as shells, I would look into a jade turbo. They have pretty giant ones at the Crabbage Patch.

Fox shells also can get pretty big. Those are the two largest shells I know of.

I know I'm worthless for even mentioning his size without pics, but my God I've had to take down EVERYTHING climbable!! He's got such a massive spread that he just stepped out the tank and sat there saying "HELLO WORLD!!"

Wow, I'm sure he's gonna cause some massive destruction! Good luck with him!

No, we do not want to give Gigantor ideas...

I second seeing pics of this guy. How did you come about getting him? And what's the story on not being able to be re-released? I'd imagine he must've been injured or something, since that's usually why some aren't good release-able.

He's perfectly healthy. No worries about that.
I live in Trinidad. My cousins went up the Caribbean islands by boat and while there decided to collect some crabs for their small children.
They brought Gigantor back with 3 other Teeny/Smalls. Of course a few days later, what happens but one of the kidlets gets pinched by a Teeny. (Thank God it wasn't Gigantor or they might have lost a finger) Thus, the crabs must go, and who do they know who has crabs?
Me.
My problem with re-releasing him is that while we are supposed to have PP's here, I have never seen any, and I have been all over the coasts of Trinidad. The other problem is shells in the wild, I've seen maybe 2 undamaged hermit crab suitable shells here in my life and nothing close to his size.
I would think about releasing him in Tobago, where I have seen wild PP's and suitable shells but I'm not about to buy a plane ticket to do so.
Thus, Gigantor stays with me for the mean time.

Oh, I see. Well, at least he's got a good home for the meantime. The good thing is that he will be provided for without having to wing it out there in the wild, and he might even get to eat really good stuff he'd otherwise not come across too. Good luck with him. We still want pictures when you're able.

Also, sometimes they have HUGE turbos at Michael's or Hobby lobby, they're 10$, and if you can get them on salt their 5.99!

Crab Addict, thanks, but as I live outside the US it's impossible for me to check out their selection. I'm trying to order some Camo and Jade turbos from Crabbage Patch for this guy. His BP measures 1 1/2" from point to joint. Here's hoping that a 2 1/4" opening is big enough!!

WOW - that is a handsome beastie.

Keith

WOW!! What a crab! :)

Heh, yes he's umm.. Impressive and Destructive.

I think I need a new tank to go along with his new shells.

I have pics of his tank mates up in the Pics section under "My guys & gals".