Tuesday, December 16, 2008

What Types of Hermit Crabs should be Placed in a Saltwater Aquariums?

Hermit crabs have been popular pets for both adults and children for many years, and there are many who appreciate their unique beauty (and just as many not-it is a matter of taste). With the growing popularity of bringing a piece of the ocean at home, it is no wonder that the idea of introducing hermit crabs in a saltwater aquarium has gained increasing popularity.

Just as there are many types of hermit crabs that can be kept as pets, there are many different breeds, which can be kept in aquariums. Not everyone has the same chance of survival if kept in captivity, and it is important that the aquarium owner to ensure that they are aware of all the specific needs of their hermit crabs before they are introduced to the aquarium. Below is an introduction to some of the most common breeds of aquarium hermit crabs.

- Red Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos) - also known as the White Spotted Hermit Crab this crab has red legs with black bands spots. It is not a safe addition to a reef aquarium, but is very useful in keeping algae growth to a minimum in a community aquarium. Only one crab per aquarium Please, these crabs are very protective of their personal space.

- Red legged Hermit Crab (Clibanarius digueti)-these Mexican crab is a sturdy addition to any aquarium, eat algae from the tank. They require a low content of copper in the water, but because their bodies can not survive in the presence of this metal.

- Scarlet Hermit Crab, or Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)-this hermit crab are generally small, about two inches across, and has a red body with yellow eyestalks. They are very helpful to keep algae growth in the aquarium under control, but if insufficient algae is available in the tank, the supplementally fed with dried seaweed.

- Common Hermit Crab (pagurus bernhardus)-These crabs are more common in Europe, but may exist in other countries. Also known as soldier crabs.

Since these crabs carry their homes around on their backs, it is important that they constantly have new tanks available to them when they have grown out of their shell earlier. A hermit crab in an improper sized shell can not grow properly. These tanks can be purchased from a pet shop or an online retailer or if the owner is aware of the requirements of their hermit crabs, these tanks can often be found on a beach. If the owner chooses to go out into the wild and collect their own tanks, it is important that they choose the right type of shell for their hermit crabs to inhabit. As the sea Anemones are often an important part of the hermit crab's natural environment, they make excellent tank mates eat leftovers when the hermit crab is finished with a meal and cut down the amount of tank waste.

Hermit crabs are an exciting addition to a tank, and requires very little maintenance, when their owners are familiar with their needs and their habits. With the proper care, they can live for quite a while, giving endless hours of pleasure for their owners and their families.

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