The Indonesian hermit crab is also known as Coenobita brevimanus, Brevi, Indo, or purple crab. These crabs are fun to watch because of their different personalities. Nowadays Indonesian hermit crabs are not common as pets. But they are sturdy and easy to keep. So, if you want to have them as your pet then this article will help you.
In this article, l will give you information about their distribution, features, crab care, diet, tank mates, etc. Hope this article will help you to find information about Indonesian hermit crabs.
Distribution of Indonesian Hermit Crab
Indonesian hermit crabs have been reported in the Philippines, East Africa, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Malaysia. Primarily, they are native to the southwest Pacific Ocean, the east coast of Africa, and also the Indo-Pacific area. But now they are also seen in other countries because of ornamental tourism.
Features and Lifespan of Indonesian Hermit Crab
Indonesian hermit crabs can reach up to 15-18 cm (6-8 inches) long and weigh up to 230-300g (8-10 Oz). Because of their size, they are one of the largest crabs from the genus Coenobita. But in Captivity the average size of an adult crab is 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) long.
Their body color is mostly purplish; they can also be brownish-red. These crabs have large bulbous left claws with stitch marks that help to identify them. They have round eyes and eye stalks are brown to black. In captivity, with a good environment and care, they can live up to 5-8 years.
However, according to Wikipedia, this species can live up to 12-70 years in the ocean. They are social, active, and peaceful species. By knowing their features it will be easy to identify them.
Crab Care
When you set your mind to keeping the Indonesian hermit crab as a pet the very first thing you should do is set their habitat. Which should resemble their natural habitat. Here are some guidelines for you.
Tank Size for Ecuadorian hermit crab
As I mentioned, Indonesian crabs are large species, they need space to move and play.
They are nocturnal which indicates they are not very active in day time. It is nighttime when they come truly alive. A 10-gallon (40 liters) tank is recommended for one small hermit. When they are large like 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) will require at least a 30-gallon (120 liters) tank
However, a small tank will limit their freedom. As a result, lack of space will stress them and reduce their lifespan.
Water requirements
As they are mostly found in the sea, you need to give them water like their natural habitat. You need 1 saltwater bowl which is made with marine salt, not table salt. Also, you need 1 freshwater bowl. The freshwater should be dechlorinated and the bowl should be big enough for the crab.
If you decide to use tap water then let it sit for 24 hours and then use it. But tap water has chlorine that is harmful to the hermit crab. So, try to avoid it.
Perfect temperature for Coenobita brevimanus
Indonesian hermit crabs need a specific temperature to live. 80-90°F (26-32°c) is a suitable temperature for them. When they don’t get the temperature their movements get slow. For their safety, you can use a heater or heat pad to maintain their temperature.
Humidity in the tank
Humidity levels need to be in range for their healthy habitat. Indonesian crabs have an abdominal lung that is adapted to their terrestrial lifestyle. However, they need moist air to breathe. The ideal range for them would be between 60-80℅.
Substrate for equadorian hermit crab
They need substrate where they can burrow and hide. Mainly they burrow to rest, chill, and molt. The substrate should be 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) deep enough. You can use sand, coco fiber, or aquarium sand as a substrate. Also, you can mix them in a 1:5 ratio. This ratio helps to hold the moisture.
Decorate the tank
Decoration helps your crab to hide, climb, and play. So, use as many decorations as you want but make sure that the decorations you use are safe. You can use wood, plants, leaves, PVC pipes, etc as decorations. These decorations help to enrich their atmosphere.
Things to Consider as a Pet Parent
When you want to keep an Indonesian hermit crab as a pet there are many things you should consider. I will advise you about some of them.
- Clean the water in the tank at least once every 2-3 days and also clean the water bowl. But if you use the filter you need to clean the tank every 2-3 weeks.
- Keep more than one crab or use tank mates with them. As they are social they love the company of other species.
- Remove the leftover food daily. Because leftover food makes the water toxic.
- Use a lid in the tank cause your hermit can try to escape. So, use it for your crab safety.
- Change your hermit substrate every 6 weeks with a fresh one.
Diet for Indonesian Hermit Crab
Like most of the hermit crabs, Indonesian hermit crabs are also scavengers. In their wildlife, they accelerate the decomposition of organic substances. However, in captivity for better health, you should provide a good mix of meats, vegetables, seafood, fruits, and cellulose. They need nutrients like calcium and antioxidants. So, in this matter food diversity plays an important role in their captivity life.
Always change food daily for 2-3 days to prevent their bow from getting moldy. You can feed them once per day or two times per day as needed.
Tankmates
Like every hermit crab Indonesian hermit crabs are social, gentle, and nonaggressive. They love to live with other species. But they also know how to prey. They prey on the small species. So, you can’t keep small species with them as their tankmates. So, it’s better to keep them with other species in the genus Coenobita.
Wrap Up
Indonesian hermit crab as a pet is not so hard to care for. You just need to understand their routine and habitat. By monitoring their health and routine they will live healthy. Hope in this article you find the right information and the information will help you.
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