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Strawberry Hermit Crabs - Basic Care Guide
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Strawberry Hermit Crabs - Basic Care Guide

 

Coenobita perlatus hermit crabs are known for their bright red exoskeleton, and are often sought after as pets. Strawberry hermit crabs require more care than the average Coenobita clypeatus (Purple Pincher). Below is a basic care guide on taking care of Strawberry Hermit Crabs.

Strawberry Hermit Crabs grow large, and can often grow to the size of a softball. In the pet industry, Strawberry Hermit Crabs are harvested once they are larger and more colorful.

 

It should be noted that Strawberry Hermit Crabs have more needs than your average Purple Pincher. As such, these crabs are not ideal for people who are inexperienced, or who are still struggling to keep Purple Pinchers healthy and alive.

If you have had crabs for less than a year, or any crab deaths over the past 6 months, we do not recommend these.

Enclosure:

  1. Basics: You will need an aquarium that is at least 55 gallons, to provide the proper depth Strawberry Hermit Crabs need for proper substrate depth. An ideal tank would be a 75 gallon tank for a pair of Strawberry Hermit Crabs.
  2. More Details: Smaller tanks are fine for isolation tanks, but should not be used as a long term home for a Strawberry Hermit Crab. 20 gallons is recommended for a Strawberry isolation tank, but a 15 gallon tank will work in a pinch.
  3. Lid: Lids can be metal screens, aquarium lids with lights, or plexiglass. If you chose to go with a metal screen lid, you will need to seal it completely from the top, so there is no air flow. This is essential with Strawberry Hermit Crabs.

 

How Many Crabs:

 

  1. Basics: Strawberry Hermit Crabs are especially sensitive to being alone, and many will die if they do not have a species mate. It is recommended that Strawberry Hermit Crabs are purchased with a minimum of 2 in a tank set up. Please keep their size requirements in mind when adding these sensitive crabs to a pre-existing tank set up, and leave a minimum of 30 gallons of space for the pair, or more depending on their size.
  2. More Details: Hermit crabs live in large groups in the wild, and are social creatures. While additional hermit crabs can be housed with Strawberry Hermit Crabs, they still need a species mate. If one strawberry passes away, it is essential that the lone crab be rehomed to someone with strawberries, or another strawberry is placed in the tank.
  3. Strawberry Hermit Crabs are one of the larger species of hermit crabs. It is common to find them as large and jumbo sized crabs in pet shops, or purchased online. While other crabs have a general rule of thumb of 10 gallons of space for a large hermit crab, Strawberries require much larger tanks. We recommend no less than 15 gallons of space for medium Strawberries.
  4. Super Jumbos: Strawberries in the wild tend to get quite large. When buying Strawberry crabs, it is important to keep this in mind. Your strawberry crabs will require more space when they reach shell size openings of 2.5" or larger. Please add on 5 gallons of space for every half an inch of growth. For example, if your crab has a 2.5" opening, your Strawberry requires 30 gallons of space. A 3" opening will require 35 gallons of space. A 3.5" opening will require 40 gallons of space, and so on.
  5. Crabs Per Gallon by size:
  1. Medium - 15 gallons
  2. Large: 20 gallons
  3. Jumbo: 25 gallons
  4. Super Jumbos: - Add 5 gallons on per half inch.

Use this sizing chart to find out what your crabs are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/itsacrabthing/651621344959033/.

Heating:

 

  1. Basic: Your Strawberry Hermit Crabs need a steady 85F temperature during the day, with it dropping no further than 82F during the night. To achieve this, we recommend getting an Under Tank Heater the full length of the tank, and attaching it to the back outside wall of the tank. You may also need a smaller Under Tank Heater attached to the outside side wall if one is not enough. Heat lamps are not recommended for people just getting into Strawberry hermit crabs, as they are not as reliable as heat mats.
  2. Additional Needs: Because there are specific heat guidelines for Strawberry Hermit Crabs, a Thermostat is recommended. Your UTH will plug into the thermostat, and regulate the temperature inside the tank to keep it at a steady 85F during the day. If you live in a cold weather region, you will need to insulate your tank. We recommend Reflectix Duct Insulation, as it is easy to use, and can be cut to size on the tank. This will ensure that the heat is not lost through the glass.
  3. Heat Lamps - If you choose to use a heat lamp, the only bulb acceptable is a CHE bulb (Ceramic Heat Emitter). This bulb does not give off light, making it safe for night time use. However, heat lamps will wreck havoc on your humidity, making it a bigger challenge to keep the humidity at 85% or higher.

 

Humidity:

 

  1. Basics: Humidity must by 85% or higher at all times in the crabitat for Strawberry Hermit Crabs. To do this, you need to ensure the lid is sealed from air gaps. Any place where air can enter the tank, humidity and heat can leave the tank, making it much harder to balance the 85%/85F required for these crabs.
  2. More Details: Having the correct humidity levels in your tank are just as crucial, if not even more so, than having the correct temperatures. Hermit crabs actually breathe through modified gills, making high levels of moisture essential for them to breathe properly. Humidity levels below 80% over an extended period of time will cause the crabs to become extremely lethargic, increase the liklihood of molting issues, and even lead to death.
  3. Covering the Lid: One of the main aspects of creating and maintaining needed humidity levels is making sure the top of the tank is completely covered, either by using a glass, plexiglass, or acrylic lid, or a mesh lid you've covered in plastic sheeting (shower curtains work well- saran wrap is not recommended, as it is easily torn, leading to air exchange) or in a sheet of plexiglass or acrylic, cut to fit, and taped down to the edges of the mesh lid.
  4. Other Factors: Keeping the substrate at the ideal moisture level ("sandcastle consistency" is also an important contributor. Additionally, the following methods can increase humidity in your tank.
  1. Moss Pits - a bowl of damp Sphagnum Moss can be added to the tank. Re-moisten with dechlorinated water as it dries out.
  2. Bubblers - Add an air stone to each of the water pools, connected to air tubing, and an air pump outside of the tank. This will cause water bubbles to pop in the air above the pool, dispersing small amounts of moisture into the air.
  3. Water Pools - Placing your water pools in front of the UTH will cause the water temperature to increase, and evaporate faster. You will need to replenish your water sooner.
  4. Misting - This is NOT recommended for Strawberry crabs, as it can lead to stress, and too much moisture in the air.

 

Gauges:

 

  1. Basics: A digital gauge that features both a Temperature gauge and a Humidity (hygrometer) is necessary to ensure your tank is at the right temps and humidity. Without a gauge, it is extremely easy for the numbers to slip without knowing.
  2. More Details: Gauges to measure both can be found at most department stores, in the lighting or hardware area. Acurite brand is one many of us use, and it can be purchased for under $10 online, and at popular department stores like Walmart, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and more.
  3. While Analog gauges are available at most pet shops, they are often unreliable, and show as much as a 15 degree difference in the actual temps and humidity inside of a tank. Because of this, it can cause you to overheat your crabs, or under heat them, thinking they have adequate temperatures. They also lead to people misting their tanks to up the humidity levels, which can lead to flooded tanks.
  4. If your tank is 75g or larger, we recommend having 2 in place.
  5. Placement: Your gauge should be placed near the front of the tank, away from the UTH, and 2-3" above the substrate. Many of us use Command Hooks to hang gauges inside a Plastic Canvas 'gauge cage' handmade with zip ties. This prevents damage, and erroneous readings of humidity.

 

Substrate:

 

  1. Basics: Strawberry Hermit Crabs need a mixture of Play Sand, Eco Earth, and amendment components. The basic ratio mix should be 5:1:1 (sand:EE:amendments). Think 5 cups, to 1 cup, to 1 cup. Your substrate for Strawberry Hermit Crabs needs to be a minimum of 10". Strawberry crabs are diggers, and the deeper the substrate, the better. It will often be more than 1/2 of your tank for Strawberries to start off with.
  2. More Details: We recommend a mixture of coconut coir (marketed as Eco Earth or Plantation Soil) and regular play sand, which is purchased for sand boxes. To prepare the substrate, use Seachem Prime to dechlorinate tap water. Add this tap water to the coconut coir, as directed on the back to expand the brick. The play sand can be used as is, just make sure to choose dry bags at the store if you can. Additional amendments can be added as follows- Orchid Bark, Milled Sphagnum Moss, Hardwood Leaf Litter (Oak, Maple- from trees that are not sprayed with pesticides), crushed Egg Shell, crushed Oyster Shells, or Worm Castings. You can add all, or just one or two. Mix all together in a large bucket or storage tote until it becomes an even color, and has the damp quality of sand castle sand. It should be able to be formed into a shape, and hold it, but not so wet that water pools or leaks if you squeeze a ball of it.
  3. Amount Needed: As a base, you will want to start with 50# of sand, and 3/4 of a brick of coconut coir per 10 gallons. This will give you half of a tank of substrate- to add to the depth, mix another 50# of sand, 3/4 brick of coconut coir, and an equal amount of amendments. This will raise the depth to a higher level for your Strawberry Hermit Crabs.
  4. Cycling and Floods: Healthy substrate should cycle on its own. Basically, there are two kinds of bacteria- good bacteria that will keep your substrate healthy, and bad bacteria that can kill your crabs. When your substrate is not aerated, or gets too wet, toxic bacteria can grow in a matter of hours, and kill your crabs. To avoid this, regularly add leaf litter on top of the soil, keep your substrate aerated, and only mist your substrate if it's absolutely necessary- it should not be misted regularly.

 

 

Water:

 

  1. Basics: Strawberry Hermit Crabs require both fresh water and salt water, made from Marine Grade Salt. This should be offered in 2 dishes, each deep enough for your Strawberry crab to fully submerge. All water needs to be dechlorinated. You will also need to ensure that all of your crabs, from the smallest to the largest, can get in and out of the pool.
  2. More   Details: It's important to make sure you are using an actual marine grade Salt Water mix, and not Aquarium Salt (sold for FW tanks), sea salt manufactured for human consumption, or the "hermit crab" salt mixes and sprays. Salt water is made using tap water, which needs to be dechlorinated with Seachem Prime. Some choices for a good marine grade salt are Instant Ocean, Oceanic, Red Sea Marine, Tetra Marine Sea Salt, and Fluval Marine Sea Salt.
  3. Making Pools: You'll need tow containers roughly 5" deep, and 5" across in width, to ensure your Strawberries can access the pool easily, and fully submerge. There are many options for providing easy-access entrance to the water. Many use the craft supply, Plastic Canvas, to create ridged inside edges, and ladders in and out of the water. This can be purchased for roughly $1 at craft shops. Using aquarium grade silicone will also allow you to 'glue' small gravel to the sides to create a textured side. Please note that this takes space away from the pool and may require starting with a larger pool.

 

Breakdown for mixing up small amounts of Instant Ocean:

16 cups (1 gal) water - 1/2 cup IO

8 cups water - 1/4 cup IO

4 cups water - 1/8 cup (2tbs) IO

2 cups water - 1 tbs IO

 

It is a myth that Strawberry hermit crabs require stronger salt water. Please do not mix your salt water with larger amounts of IO than required, as this can cause damage to your hermit crabs gills.

 

Please make sure that the water made with IO is already treated with Seachem Prime.

 

Making Fresh Water:

16 Cups (1 gal) water - 2 Drop Seachem Prime

8 cups water - 1 drop Seachem Prime

Smaller Amounts not advised

Food/Diet:

 

  1. Basics: Strawberry Hermit Crabs are scavengers, but have a specific diet. It's important to remember that our pet hermit crabs only have access to what we, their caretakers, give them. Commercial Hermit Crab foods are not advised, such as Pellets. Here is a link to our Edible Foods list, many of which are found at the grocery store. https://www.facebook.com/notes/hermit-crab-owners/nutrition-edible-food-list/668514226603078.
  2. More Details: Strawberry Hermit Crabs in the wild are more herbivores than omnivores, as much of their diet is made up from plants. However, they can and will eat animal matter as they come across it in the wild. The majority of their diet comes from plant detritus and plant litter and is supplemented by living plants, fruits and seeds, encrusting algae, fungi, small invertebrates, and carrion. Here are some examples of foods from the groups listed that are fairly easy for us to obtain and provide them with in captivity, in order of importance:
  1. Terrestrial plant litter/detritus: dead plant material such as leaves, bark, and twigs from crab-safe_ tr and plants that have fallen to the ground (if harvesting this yourself, be sure to confirm that the area you're gathering from hasn't been treated with pesticides or other potentially harmful chemicals). Our list of safe plants is here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hermit-crab-owners/nutrition-safe-unsafe-woods-and-flowers-list/668526163268551.
  2. Aquatic plant litter: kelp, nori, dulse and various other seaweeds.
  3. Living plants: sprouting seeds are great for this and can be grown directly in the substrate or in a separate container where they can be given time to start sprouting before adding the container to the tank (recommended seeds include chia, clover, millet, fescue, orchard grass, wheat grass, oat grass, barley grass, chicory, timothy grass, turnip greens, alfalfa, plantain, purslane, Italian dandelion, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds).
  4. Fruits and seeds: coconut, mango, papaya, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, banana, starfruit, fig, pomegranate, and various other fruits, as far as seeds--any of those listed above in the sprouting list are good, also peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans can be given as long as they're plain without any salt or other additives.
  5. Small invertebrates: shrimp, krill, plankton, crab, squid, mealworms, earthworms, isopods, and crickets are some of the most common ones and can be freeze-dried, frozen, or even fresh as long as they're plain/don't contain chemical preservatives.
  6. Etc: Basically, anything else on the safe food list that doesn't fit into one of the above categories.
  7. Note: Most commercial hermit crab foods are not only not nutritionally unbalanced, but unsafe due to certain preservatives they contain.
  1. In addition to the above, Strawberry Hermit Crabs need carotene in their diet to maintain color. Carotene rich foods should be served regularly, and with variety. Without a carotene rich diet, they will lose their color, and it will affect
  2.        their health. The following foods are safe for hermit crabs, and rich in carotene.
  1. Tropical Fruits: Cantaloupe, Papaya, Tomato, Watermelon, Apricots, Figs (ripe only)
  2. Starchy Vegetables: Sweet Potato (cooked) , Carrots
  3. Leafy Greens:  Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Swiss Chard, Dandelion Greens (no pesticides used on lawn), fresh Parsley
  4. Astaxanthin - This is a keto-carotenoid, and is often used in color enhancing for hermit crabs. It can be purchased in powdered form at pet shops. It should be fed sparingly, as Hermit Crabs will not absorb more than they need.
  1. Note: Most commercial hermit crab foods are not only nutritionally unbalanced, but unsafe due to certain preservatives they contain. Some pet shop items are safe, but are not found in flake or pellet form. Safe pet shop items include (but are not limited to):
  1. Dried Meal Worms
  2. Frozen Bloodworms
  3. Dried Crickets
  4. Dried River Shrimp (also marketed as Krill)
  5. Millet Sprays

 

 

Shells:

  1. Basics: Your crabs need shells of appropriate opening shape and size. This is just as important as any other necessity. You should have at least 5 appropriate shells for each crab to start with. Eventually you will need 10 shells per crab. Shell envy can be a real issue and can cause fights within your tank. Painted shells are toxic and therefore not a suitable option. Shells with holes and cracks are not suitable. Please see this link for appropriate shells: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hermit-crab-owners/shell-shopping/668589206595580 and https://www.facebook.com/notes/hermit-crab-owners/how-to-determine-shell-types-and-sizes-needed/556878854433283
  2. More Details: Due to the size that Strawberry Hermit Crabs grow to, it can be hard to locate affordable shells. Shell size is important, and even large or jumbo crabs need variety in shells. It's not uncommon for large shells to run $10+ each, making it an expensive addition to your tank. Please keep this in mind and plan ahead, so you can pick them up here and there to spread out the cost, before they are needed.

Tank Add-Ons:

  1. UVB: We strongly recommend purchasing a UVB strip light (not CFL or "spiral" bulb type) for your hermit crabs. It is important that your crab receive this sunlight so they can grow a healthy exoskeleton.
  2. More Details: UVB cannot go through glass or mesh and must be unobstructed. Most tanks will need the 5.0 strip light. If the distance between the light and the substrate is less than 10 inches, use the 5.0. If the distance between the light and the substrate is more than 10 inches, use the 10.0. Use the regular strength UVB, not double strength. You can use any under counter fixture (that has a removable plastic piece), or use your hood light lid with the splash guard broken out of it. Walmart, Amazon and many hardware stores carry common light fixtures that will work for UVB. Pet Stores, Amazon and Drs Foster Smith carry hood lights. If you choose to go the fixture route, you need heavy duty Velcro and possibly zip ties to mount it inside of your tank. The bulbs do not get hot enough to harm your crabs and aren't meant to be used as a heat source.
  3. The 5.0 T8 comes in these sizes: 15" - 14W, 18" - 15W, 24" - 17W, 36" - 25W, 48" - 32W.
  4. The 10.0 comes in these sizes: 18" - 15W, 24" - 17W, 36" - 25W, 48" - 32W.

Miscellaneous Accessories:

  1. Basics: Hermit crabs need plenty of places where they can feel safe and sheltered as well as access to various items to climb and perch on.
  2. More Details: You can use these types of hides, as well as any other safe types (you can get creative!):
  3. Coco-huts (store-bought or homemade). Basically, this is a half coconut with a door hole.
  4. Small Animal Hides. These can be purchased in larger sizes ideal to Strawberry Hermit Crabs. These should be purchased in plastics only, not in wood, as they are made from pine, which is toxic to Strawberry Hermit Crabs.
  5. Make your own hides from non-clear plastic containers that you simply turn upside down and cut a hole in for the entrance. This allows you to make larger opening hides for the size of jumbo Strawberries.
  6. Resin half logs come in large sizes, often found in the Reptile or Fish department at the pet shop. These provide a more natural looking hide.
  7. Cork bark pieces and tubes, driftwood, cholla, fake vines, fish nets, and ladders/nets crocheted from crab-safe materials are all great for climbing.
  8. Greenery - This can be purchased from craft shops, dollar stores, and pet shops. Providing 'natural' looking leaf coverage provides them with places to hide, and climb.
  9. Second levels made of shower caddies for moss pits or shell storage.
  10. Moss pits (damp moss in a bowl or container). You can also provide containers with leaves, hay, or even sea sponges for your crabs in these pits.

 

Writing credits: Katherine T., Lauren Y., Kitty Katt F., Angela B., Emily C., Lacey Ann V., Heather T.