Hermit Crabs |
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Hermit CrabsThere are about five hundred known species of hermit crabs in the world, most of which are aquatic , living at a range of depths from shallow coral reefs and shorelines to deep bottoms, although some species are terrestrial . There are approximately 15 terrestrial species in the world, and, of those, the following are commonly kept as pets: Caribbean hermit crab , Coenobita clypeatus , and the Pacific hermit crab , Coenobita compressus . Other species of land hermit crabs Birgus latro, coconut crab, Coenobita brevimanus, Coenobita cavipes, Coenobita perlatus , strawberry land hermit crab Coenobita purpureus, Coenobitidae are not as common. While most species available in pet stores are small like those listed above, and are simply scavengers, other hermit crabs may grow quite large (some on the Pacific coast can grow to 30 cm / 12 inches) and may eat coral , clams and other crustaceans. Most hermit crabs salvage empty seashells to shelter and protect their soft abdomens , from which they derive the name " hermit ". Hermit crabs will happily switch shells frequently if given the opportunity - an interesting display to watch. A hermit crabs link with the sea is never entirely broken, however, as hermit crabs carry a small amount of water in their shells at all times to keep their abdomen moist and their modified gills hydrated. Hermit crabs are able to live on land because of their modified gills , although they still require a warm, humid environment. When threatened, the crab withdraws into the shell and blocks the entrance with the large claw. All species of hermit crabs, grow through a strenuous and hazardous process called molting where the exoskeleton of the animal is shed and a new, soft exoskeleton is exposed from beneath. Small crabs may molt every month or so, but larger crabs only molt 1 time every 18 months. Over a period of up to three months, the buried, molting crab sheds the old exoskeleton in a process called ecdysis , lost appendages may be regrown (completely or partially), the new exoskeleton hardens, the old exoskeleton is eaten to recover calcium and other nutrients, the crab regains its strength and returns to the surface. In preperation of a molt, the hermit crab will attempt to eat enough to survive the molting period. Hermit crabs still requires salt water ( sea salt ) for functions like molting. Land hermit crabs are not difficult to house, but providing the right temperature and humidity are vital. Hermit crabs prefer a relative humidity level between 70% and 78%, and a temperature of 24 °C (75 °F ). The high relative humidity of their native environments, plus water carried in the shell, allows their modified gills to remain wet and to properly extract oxygen from the air. Most marine hermit crabs will appreciate a salinity of between 1.023 and 1.025 (measured in specific gravity ), and temperatures between 4–14 °C (temperate species) and 24–27°C (tropical species), with a good bed, algae to graze on and a variety of shells to change into. H ermit Crabs need to change homes when they grow, so you will need to provide your crab with extra shells that are 1/3 bigger than it's current shell, because your crab will grow. Hermit crabs can live to be over 30 years old and over 40 years in exceptional cases. Stumble It! • Submit To Netscape • del.icio.us • Y! MyWeb |
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