HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Just curious, I know it's been done but how do different species get along cohabitating. I have 2 PP's and would like to add to them at some point. Is it better to get all the same specie or does it matter that much? Will they still "make friends" or should you get more than 1 of each species?

I have E's, Ruggie's, PP's, Cavvies and Straws all in the same tank and they get along great. Yes always get at least 2 of each kind. The buddy system is great.Sandra

I have straws, E's, PP's, Ruggies, Indos and Cavipes all in my tank. I have had no problems with the diffrent species bothering each other. But, I made sure to set up my tank to fit my more sensitive crabs, like Straws and Cavipes. I have a large filtered salt water pond, and I keep the temp around 80 degrees and humidity around 80. It doesn't seem to bother the other species to be that warm's, and is necessary for the straws and Cavipes.

I have Perlatus,Brevimanus,Compressus and Clypeatus all in the same tank,and all is well in the Crab Shack. I'm still on a molting spree...first my Caribbean,then my two E's at the same time,then one of my Straws and now my other Straw is molting,in the same spot as the other one! My molt success rate is 100% right now so if that's any indication...My first Straw molt wasn't tough,and he was up very quickly,though he did have a couple twisted leg segments afterward,but is otherwise totally fine.I say it's totally ok to have mixed species in one tank! And it's pretty cool to look over at your crabitat and see a big red crab sitting next to a big purple indo crab...the rainbow effect is nice.

I have 6 PPs and 3 Es... they get along well, one of my PPs actually prefers to hang out with the Es. But I would suggest getting at least 2 of any new species you are adding. Personally, I always get 3 in case something happens to one of them, the other wont be left alone.