How to Breed Ocean Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are crustaceans that exist primarily in intertidal zones, such as tide pools. They typically live in the vacant shells of sea snails and are harmless creatures. Breeding hermit crabs in captivity is very difficult as they are most successful at breeding in familiar environments. To breed hermit crabs while under your supervision, you must make special conditions to re-create their natural environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater tank or outdoor pond
  • Moonlight bulbs
  • Wave maker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a saltwater tank or an outdoor pool or pond for the hermit crabs.

    • 2

      Recreate the waves in an ocean using a wave-making water return device which you can find either online or at your local pet shop.

    • 3

      Purchase inexpensive moonlight bulbs to set up around the tank or pool. These are priced at roughly $15 and may also be found either online or at your local pet shop. The moonlight bulbs may help with the breeding process as hermit crabs usually breed at night.

    • 4

      Establish the crabs' gender and get a combination of both for the breeding process. Gender is difficult to establish gender as the female parts are hidden by the shell. If you purchased the crabs at a pet shop, speak with the store clerk ahead of time to ensure you get both genders. If you took them from the tide pools, you can find this information out if the crabs are willing to temporarily come out of the shell. A female hermit crab has openings on the first segment of the back pair of walking legs.

    • 5

      Keep the water temperature between 72 F and 80 F. Anything outside of these temperatures may weaken or sicken the hermit crabs.

    • 6

      Maintain the health of the crabs by providing clean air, lighting, calcium supplements, proper water temperature, a combination of fresh and salt water and a healthy diet. Hermit crabs typically eat almost anything edible that washes up on shore such as dried up fruit, plant matter or decaying wood. You can also purchase special hermit crab treats and the calcium supplements from your local pet shop.