How to Breed Fresh Water Hermit Crabs

A few species of hermit crabs, such as the Clibanarius and land hermit crabs, live in freshwater environments. However, breeding requirements for all hermit crab species are similar. In their natural habitat, female freshwater hermit crabs deposit eggs in shallow sand beds. These eggs are pushed by tidal waves out into the ocean where they hatch, grow and develop. To successfully breed a hermit crab in an aquarium, you must recreate a similar environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Male and female hermit crab
  • Saltwater tank
  • Hygrometer
  • Thermometer
  • Wave maker
  • Moonlight bulb
  • Calcium-enriched fish food flakes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a natural breeding environment in your aquarium. Prepare a 30-gallon saltwater glass tank with a secure lid. Place a thermometer in the tank to regulate and maintain the water temperature between 70 and 80 degrees F to ensure the health of the hermit crab.

    • 2

      Maintain humidity levels between 75 and 90 percent by placing a hygrometer in the tank. Humidity levels are crucial to the survival of hermit crabs. Hermit crabs have modified gills; they must breathe in moist air and live in moist surroundings.

    • 3

      Purchase a wave maker from your aquarium supplies store. A wave maker is a device that replicates the sound and movement of the ocean waves on a shoreline, and encourages the breeding process. Fix a moonlight bulb above the aquarium; hermit crabs are nocturnal creatures and mate at night.

    • 4

      Purchase a male and female hermit crab from your local pet store. Place them together in the tank for three weeks. Closely observe your hermit crabs for a mating performance or movements that resemble a "dance" of sorts. During the process when the male hermit crab transfers its spermatophore to the female, their shells partially merge. The female then produces eggs, which are stored on the left side of her abdomen.

    • 5

      Provide the female hermit crab with calcium-enriched fish food flakes during the gestation period, which lasts a month. Sprinkle cuttlebone powder on the food for a calcium boost. These crustaceans are omnivores; they eat plants, fruits, vegetables and meats.

    • 6

      Separate the mating pair once the female hermit crab lays eggs in the water. The number of eggs produced is dependent upon the size of the female hermit crab. It takes around four weeks for the eggs to hatch. The eggs change color from brick red to gray prior to hatching.