baby hermit crabs

[Zombiepancake]

I am sorry if this does not count as an emergency, but I did not know where else to post it!
Also, I am kind of freaking out right now.

I was just about to change the water in the saltwater bowl, when I noticed hundreds of spawn (not sure about the English name for it).
So... What am I supposed to do now?
Do I need to buy tiny shells?
How long do they stay in the water?
When do they need the shells?
Do I need to feed them?
Which size should the shells be if I buy any?

I also have a smaller aquarium, should I move them from the water bowl to the aquarium (it is currently empty)?
Or is there a risk with the salt concentration being different?

I live in Europe, so tips on good stores that might have these tiny shells are very appreciated.

Here is an image I just took. If you download the picture and zoom in, you can see the eyes on those tiny little creatures.


Sorry for all the rambling. All help is appreciated!

[MamaKelly]

There are several accounts of attempts to raise hermit crabs in captivity, some with success, in the health and breeding section of the forum. It's not an easy undertaking!

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[Zombiepancake]

Thanks I will do that!
I guess I am just a bit overwhelmed

[soilentgringa]

Almost impossible to raise them. They require very specific water conditions, water changes, foods, etc. Many people get eggs every year but aren't able to raise them.

[aussieJJDude]

First off, congrats on the successful breeding! When you have the time, we would love to learn more about your crabbies and your tank!

Like the others said, take a look in the health and breeding section, particularly Curlz, Nat_addicted to HC's and Naalide topics. They are a great starting reference. Even giving these guys a quick PM might do wonders.

I would personally move them to the smaller aquarium, where they are now probably isn't the best for them. Most likely the crabs are going to make tonnes of mess and with all these tiny bodies in the water dish, ammonia levels could grow through the roof.
If possible, get some small microscopic foods going. They going to need it, either now or later (depending on species).

Do I need to buy tiny shells?
Well, not necessarily now, but down the road, you will. If you're near a pet store that sells shells (grit) for birds, buy a bag. Inside it should have loads of tiny shells. Your looking for shells that have 1-3 mm opening.
As for how long they stay in the water, it depends on the species.. (Hence why we love to learn about your crabitat!)
They have 3 "basic stages". Zoea - where they undergo multiple phases" - megalopa - the stage where you should buy shells, they almost look like baby hermit crabs - and hermit crabs - they come ashore and do their very first moult, turning into the miniature version of hermit crabs that we know if.

Word of warning, like soilentgringa said, raising hermit crabs in captivity is a very challenging - but rewarding - process. Don't be disheartened if they don't make it, its very common for people to have " few goes at it" before they get them to land. After all, all of the people who have managed to get them to land do their "routine" for each batch, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

[soilentgringa]

I think that out of 17 batches of eggs Curlz was able to have 2 or 3 successful groups of baby crabs. It's really hard. Good luck! Document everything

[Zombiepancake]

Thanks for all of the replies.

I moved the crabs to a separate aquarium this morning.
I know that the chances of success are very slim, but I will take care of them the best I can.

Thanks for the shell tip. I live in a country that most of the US companies don't ship to, so shells are hard to come by.

I will try to find the time to write a little more detail about my crabs.

Thanks

[KayedeeLove<3]

Good luck!! Don't feel defeated if it turns out bad! At least they are comfy enough to try and breed!

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[Curlz]

I think that out of 17 batches of eggs Curlz was able to have 2 or 3 successful groups of baby crabs.

Well. It's 19 attemps and 5 times successfully.

I have an english documentation attached in this forum.
But you can find it also on my english page of my german Blog (Curlz Crabs Blog - Breeding Crabs): http://curlz-crabs.blogspot.de/p/information-engl.html

Maybe it helps you.
But honestly I suppose without beeing prepared (equipment, tanks, water, salt, food and very importan: artemia brine shrimp eggs and set up) it won't get far...

Edit says:
The development and the Zoae number depends on the species. They went trhough several larvae stages. And in their last stage, they were able to seach for shells and use them.In my experience after 25-30 day they start to show interest in shells. (Except C. variabilis). So no need of shells yet.

[soilentgringa]

I think that out of 17 batches of eggs Curlz was able to have 2 or 3 successful groups of baby crabs.

Well. It's 19 attemps and 5 times successfully.

I have an english documentation attached in this forum.
But you can find it also on my english page of my german Blog (Curlz Crabs Blog - Breeding Crabs): http://curlz-crabs.blogspot.de/p/information-engl.html

Maybe it helps you.
But honestly I suppose without beeing prepared (equipment, tanks, water, salt, food and very importan: artemia brine shrimp eggs and set up) it won't get far...

Edit says:
The development and the Zoae number depends on the species. They went trhough several larvae stages. And in their last stage, they were able to seach for shells and use them.In my experience after 25-30 day they start to show interest in shells. (Except C. variabilis). So no need of shells yet.

Thank you! I was remembering an old post.

[Zombiepancake]

Just a quick update.

I moved them to another tank the day after my first post.
Most of them died around the 15th day and right now I have only seen one left.
Well, at least I tried

Thanks for the tips!

[aussieJJDude]

Shame things didn't turn out. Theres always next time.

*hugs*

[soilentgringa]

Just a quick update.

I moved them to another tank the day after my first post.
Most of them died around the 15th day and right now I have only seen one left.
Well, at least I tried

Thanks for the tips!

Awww, better luck next time!

[Zombiepancake]

So I just wanted to do a quick update. Since my first post I have gotten new live zoeas every month. I never get them to live past 10-15 days, but I try to improve how I handle them every time. At least I guess I'm doing right by my grown crabs since they keep breeding heh. I guess what I've learned is to have the saltwater setup ready at all times . I have also started experimenting with the artemia brine shrimps but they never seem very interested in them? Oh well!

[Rawrgeous]

You must be doing something right! It's awesome you continue to try to raise them, looking forward to hearing more on your attempts! We're rooting for you!