Foods Containing Carotenids for Hermit Crabs

Written by Julia Crab (Kerie Campbell) August 2005

This list contains beneficial foods for hermit crabs that are moderate to high in beta carotene

apricots
bell pepper of any color, red being the highest in carotenids
blueberries
broccoli
cantaloupe
carrot
chard
cilantro (raw)
collard greens
dandelion greens (raw)
fava beans in the pod (raw)
grape leaves (raw)
lettuce (dark varieties, not iceburg which is nutritionally empty)
mango
papaya
parsley (raw)
passionfruit
peaches
peas
persimmon
pineapple
pumpkin and squash, and seeds (dried)
snap beans (raw)
spinach
spirulina
seaweeds and microalgaes
sweet potato

Astaxanthin is another carotenid found in shrimp and krill and red seaweeds, that the crabs also use. Astaxanthin must be fed with a healthy fat/oil to be absorbed properly.

Tannin is also a color booster. Dried oak or sycamore leaves, or raisins help provide this substance.