Having unique characteristics and low-maintenance requirements make good pets out hermit crabs, according to Lianne McLeod, writing for The Spruce.
Hermit crabs have small and soft abdomens that they protect by living in empty snail shells. As they grow bigger, they must look for bigger shells, and owners of these pets must progressively look for larger shells.
The two main species of hermit crabs found in the US are the Coenobita clypeatus, commonly named as the Caribbean crab, purple pincher crab, land hermit crab, tree crab or soldier crab and the Coenobita compressus or the Ecuadorian crab. Other species raised as pets in other parts of the world include the Australian land hermit crab and the strawberry land hermit crab.
The ideal crab
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A 10-gallon plastic or glass tank with a lid is the ideal container for housing these crabs to accommodate furnishings and other crabs. They are social animals and prefer to live in groups. The small plastic homes with accessories sold as hermit crab kits are too small to serve as their dwellings but make excellent temporary homes or isolation …show more content…
The water dishes should be big and deep enough to allow the crabs to soak should they wish so, especially the saltwater. The dishes should also allow the crabs to get out easily and should not be very deep to prevent these creatures from drowning. Smooth river stones and pieces of coral can be used as ramps or steps to help the crabs get out of the water. It is also a good idea to place natural sea sponges in the water dishes because they regulate the humidity in the tank and the crabs press on them to get water to drink. Water given to the crabs and used in the tanks should be de-chlorinated and the saltwater should be prepared using marine aquarium