With more than 700 species of marine and terrestrial hermit crabs in the world it can be challenging to narrow down the choices of terrestrial hermit crab pets.
Terrestrial hermit crabs are popular pets because of their unusual appearance and habits.
The word ‘terrestrial’ implies that these crabs live on land. They differ from their aquatic counterparts in many ways.
They have a smaller carapace and movable appendages instead of claws. If you are interested in keeping terrestrial hermit crabs as pets, read on to know about their types and the best species for this purpose.
Who should keep terrestrial hermit crab pets?
Hermit crabs are one of the most popular small, quiet pet species. They make popular as pets based on their unusual appearance and habits.
- Aquarium hermit crabs are kept in water tanks, typically cost a little more, and incur more expenses for water filtration, treatments, and electricity to run the oxygenation and filtering systems.
- Terrestrial hermit crabs are less expensive to purchase and maintain as pets.
Not every person is suitable for keeping a terrestrial hermit crab. Here are a few things before buying a terrestrial hermit crab.
- Are you a responsible person who is ready to take care of a pet?
- Are you ready to clean the cage and feed the crab regularly?
- Do you have enough time to spend with your pet?
If yes, then you can consider keeping a terrestrial hermit crab.
Also, you should be aware that terrestrial hermit crabs need a proper environment. They are exceptionally sensitive to changes. If you are not ready to provide them with a proper environment, then you should not keep a terrestrial hermit crab as a pet.
Types of terrestrial hermit crab pets
There are many other types of hermit crabs that are commonly kept as pets by various hobbyists. After you learn the ins and outs of terrestrial hermit crab pets, you can select one for yourself according to your preferences.
The terrestrial hermit crab pets vary among a few popular species.
Are land hermit crabs good pets?
Most hermit crabs that you may find for sale in pet shops are Caribbean or Ecuadorian land hermit crabs, which come in a wide variety of colors, including red, blue, orange, and yellow.
Malaysian hermit crabs are larger than the Caribbean hermit crab. It is also completely blue in color.
Hawaiian or California hermit crabs are blue or purple in color. The difference between the Hawaiian and California hermit crabs is that the former is smaller in size.
Japanese or Chinese hermit crabs are green in color. The Japanese or Chinese hermit crabs are green in color.
You can find a hermit crab pet for sale at many local exotic pet shops.
What is required to keep a terrestrial hermit crab pet?
Before buying a terrestrial hermit crab for yourself, make sure that you have the right setup for keeping it. research how to care for your land hermit online, at the library, or from a visit to the local pet store.
A terrestrial hermit crab needs a tall tank, which has a wide variety of plants. The tank should also have holes for air circulation.
The substrate of the tank should be kept moist. You can use coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or soil for substrate.
The temperature inside the tank should be kept warm. You should keep a thermometer in the tank to monitor the temperature.
The tank should be kept in a quiet place. The tank should be equipped with a lid or a cover. Hermit crabs are great at climbing, and they will quickly climb the walls of the tank if it’s not prevented.
Best species of terrestrial hermit crab pets
You can select any type of terrestrial hermit crab as a pet, but there are certain species that are better for this purpose than others.
If you want to select a specific species, then you should read the features of each species. If you are new to this hobby, then it is better to select Caribbean hermit crabs.
Caribbean Hermit Crabs
Among the most common type of terrestrial hermit crabs that are found in pet shops, these crabs are easy to care for and are inexpensive. Caribbean Cabs come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Chinese Hermit Crabs
These crabs are easy to care for and have a sweet temperament. They have a peaceful nature and are suitable for people who are new to the hobby.
Chinese hermit crabs are a smaller species. They are green in color and grow to a maximum of three inches. Chinese hermit crabs require a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Chinese hermit crabs are nocturnal in nature.
How long do hermit crabs live?
Hermit crabs have a long-life span in comparison to other aquatic or terrestrial pets.
They can live for about 7 years in captivity. However, this can vary depending on the type of crab and the care that it receives.
It is important that you know how long hermit crabs live. This will help you prepare to take care of your pet for many years – up to 15 years in many examples.
Do pet hermit crabs bite?
Hermit crabs do not bite. However, they have a pincer-like appendage that is used for gripping and feeding. This appendage can pinch, so it is important to handle a hermit crab carefully. If the crabs are stressed or in fear, a pinch becomes more likely.
Never pick up a crab by its pincer. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Is it ok to hold a pet hermit crab?
It is o.k. but it may not be the best idea to hold a hermit crab. Hermit crabs have a pincer-like appendage at the end of their abdomen. This appendage is used for gripping and feeding. The pincer is not a claw.
Holding a crab by the carapace will not hurt the crab, but it will cause discomfort.
Hermit crabs are territorial and will become aggressive if you hold them.
Conclusion
Hermit crabs are popular as pets. They are also known as hermits for short.
Hermit crabs are crustaceans that live on land. They are popular pets because of their unusual appearance and habits.
The word ‘terrestrial’ implies that these crabs live on land, which created the nickname as land hermits. They differ from their aquatic counterparts in many ways. As pets they live in a hermit crab cage.
To get started keeping hermit crabs you should consider a hermit crab starter kit.
Terrestrial hermit crabs have a smaller carapace and movable appendages instead of claws. You can consider keeping a terrestrial hermit crab as a pet if you are a responsible person, ready to take care of a pet, and have enough time to spend with your pet.
The best species for this purpose is the Caribbean hermit crab, which might live up to 15 years in many cases if they receive good care. Learn how to care for your land hermit and they will reward you with many years of companionship.
Many people consider hermit crabs for pets because they are quiet and live in small spaces. Check out this article for another idea for a quiet pet – Hedgehogs
