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 Halloween Crabs
(Coenobita clypeatus)
The Halloween Hermit Crab originated from
the Hawaiian Islands, but can now also be
commonly found in the Florida Keys.
Halloween Crabs have bright orange and
purple shells. They are a very
colorful addition to the marine aquarium,
and they aid in eating any leftover food
that may settle on the substrate.
However, they should not be placed in a reef
aquarium, because they can become
destructive when they reach full size.
They may also kill other hermit crabs, so
they should not be placed in the same tank
with other crabs.
Halloween Crabs are a valuable addition to
an aquarium because they will eat algae,
including green hair algae and cyanobacteria.
In addition, they provide valuable aeration
by sifting through the sand.
If there is an insufficient amount of algae
present, the Halloween Crab will need to be
fed dried seaweed, as well as meaty items
such as mysis shrimp. However,
Halloween Crabs can also survive quite well
on regular hermit crab food...which is to
say, like regular hermit crabs, they are
scavengers that will eat nearly anything
edible. |
