In: General

The Crab Street Journal: A Testament to Hermit Crab Care and Advocacy Introduction The Crab Street Journal (CSJ) stands as one of the most respected and comprehensive resources dedicated to hermit crab care and education. Since its inception, this website has served as a beacon for hermit crab enthusiasts, providing them with scientifically backed information, practical care tips, and a thriving community for sharing knowledge and experiences. The history, mission, and depth of content offered by the Crab Street Journal highlight its vital role in the broader hermit crab community. History The Crab Street Journal was established in 2001 by a group of passionate hermitRead More →

In: Advocacy, Conservation, General

Introduction Every year, on October 29th, we come together to celebrate National Hermit Crab Day. It’s a day not only to appreciate these fascinating creatures but also to raise awareness about the threats facing wild hermit crabs and the importance of their conservation. Hermit crabs are unique and often misunderstood animals that play a vital role in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems. As we mark this special day, let’s take a closer look at the challenges these remarkable creatures face and what we can do to protect them. The World of Hermit Crabs Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures, known for their peculiar habit ofRead More →

Why does size matter? When determining how much space is needed per hermit crab we need to know how large the crabs are and how large they will grow. Small crabs can be happy in a smaller habitat while jumbo crabs need a minimum of 15 gallons per crab. More than 10G/crab is always better! A hermit crab must live many decades to reach jumbo size. Updated for 2025 for increased accuracy! This updated PDF includes updated charts and printing instructions. Use a piece of string our something similar to measure the second walking leg in centimetres. Compare to the chart to determine the size.Read More →

Why does size matter? When determining how much space is needed per hermit crab we need to know how large the crabs are and how large they will grow. Small crabs can be happy in a smaller habitat while jumbo crabs need a minimum of 15 gallons per crab. More than 10G/crab is always better! A hermit crab must live many decades to reach jumbo size. Updated for 2025 for increased accuracy! This updated PDF includes updated charts and printing instructions. Use a piece of string our something similar to measure the second walking leg in centimetres. Compare to the chart to determine the size.Read More →

In: Biology, Crabitat, FAQ

There seems to be some controversy and confusion regarding the need for UV-B lighting with hermit crabs. Due to the esoteric nature of our chosen pets, few studies are available to draw from which explicitly study hermit crabs. There is however a considerable volume of research regarding crustaceans, and more specifically decapod biology available to study.Read More →

two boys looking into a hermit crab habitat

In: FAQ

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society recommends that hermit crabs only be removed from their habitat for an occasional visual inspection or photo. This is one of the most contested recommendations in our community. The LHCOS recommendation is based on what research has taught us thus far. We are still learning, research is still being conducted and we are following it closely. Land hermit crabs require humid air to breathe. When the relative humidity drops below 70% the gills begin to dry out. Over time the gills will become irreversibly damaged. How much damage they can sustain before death is not known. Land hermit crabsRead More →

In: General

 The Choya Log – A Journal for Keeping Hermit Crabs As a hermit crab owner of 15+ years I created the book I needed and I hope you will enjoy it too. Custom made pages for specifically for tracking your hermit crabs and crabitat. Over 200 pages of crabby goodness in full color. No pre filled dates allow you to start your planner any month of any year and still get a full 12 months of use. Use the monthly calendar pages to track details like daily tank temperature and humidity, who is digging or resurfaced. Week day pages allow you to document noteworthy behaviorsRead More →

In: Testimonial

I’d kept hermit crabs for roughly a year and a half prior to discovering the CSJ site, and – like many others – assumed I’d been properly caring for them, negating the need to further research their requirements…or anything about them, really. One doesn’t exactly discover troves of books dedicated to hermit crabs the way one discovers the same in regards to dogs, cats, birds, or any of the other, more typical household pets. Subsequently, one simply decides that not much must be known about them (or that what is known is too boring and/or limited to bear repeating in guide after guide), and soRead More →

In: Testimonial

The Crab Street Journal is my go to for crabs care . Without them and Stacy there would be no market , site or LHCOS group . Our team is excellent because of the educational information on the CSJ and its many pages and groups . I can see every day the correct info going out to improve the lives of hermit crabs around the world . My life would be very lonely and sad without them .My favorite crab right now are the Baby Crabs also possible because of t CSJ.Read More →

In: Crabitat, General, Product Reviews

To successfully keep land hermit crabs as pets owners must provide a tropical environment that is both warm and humid. In order to maintain the proper heat and humidity gauges are required. The most popular product among hermit crab owners is the Acurite Temperature and Humidity Digital Monitor. This unit has proven to be reliable and a great value for the money. Most gauges don’t last long in the high humidity of a hermit crab tank but the Acurite out performs other more expensive gauges. Your Acurite Temperature and Humidity Monitor should be located inside of the tank but not touching the substrate or directlyRead More →

In: General

I’m honestly not even sure where to begin. Was Crab Con a success? Yes! Was it fun and amazing? Yes! Will we do it again? Yes! Most of my emotions leading up to the event were doubt, anxiety and excitement all mixed together. Today, I am proud, heartfull, thankful, amazed, impressed and inspired. More than once on Saturday I started to tear up, I was just so happy. For me, this event could not have happened without a lot of support from a lot of people. I am so very thankful for: My momma for being my helper, my product bagger and my pet sitter. MyRead More →

In: FAQ

We all go on vacation  or have to be away from home for an extended period at some point. Your hermit crabs will need someone to check on them at least once during a seven day absence. Ideally someone can check on them every other day but we understand not everyone is able to arrange a regular check in. Be sure to write up an instruction sheet for your pet sitter. Or download a copy of this article and the checklist and print it out. Include a link to this website, our emergency form and even our Facebook group so that we can help themRead More →

In: Caresheets, Crabitat

Welcome to Hermit Crab Pool Boy Training 101!  We hope the following information will cover hermit crab water pools from a-z. If we didn’t cover something here please feel free to comment or contact us. Let’s dive right in, the water is fine! Your tank should have two types of water bowls or pools: ocean water made from marine-grade salt and freshwater. Tap water contains beneficial minerals and metals so we discourage the use of distilled or otherwise purified water. Tap water must be treated with a product like Seachem Prime to make it safe for use. Prime also binds ammonia. In our testing, ammoniaRead More →

In: Testimonial

I love the Crab Street Journal! I own nine hermit crabs and, when I have a question I go to this website. I love how the Crab Street Journal always says “No to painted shells”.Read More →

In: Caresheets, FAQ

Land Hermit Crab Shell Guide A hermit crab’s shell is his life sustaining home and his protection from predators and desiccation. Hermit crabs take up residence in discarded gastropod shells and can not make their own shell. “For the vast majority of crustaceans which we call hermit crabs, the behavior patterns by which individuals utilize empty gastropod shells as shelter are critical to the crab’s existence. Orientation to shells, selection of a shell to enter, entry of a shell, and subsequent living the shell are all behaviors which directly affect the Darwinian fitness of an individual crab. Failure to find or efficiently enter a shellRead More →

In: Caresheets, Crabitat

Land hermit crabs breathe through a modified gill. It is important to protect the gills from strong fragrances, essential oils, candles, household cleaners, chemicals, smoke insecticides and other airborne irritants. Be mindful of what you spray or use near the crabitat even if your tank is fully sealed. Residual product may still be in the air when you open your tank. If you are forced to have your home sprayed for insects ensure your tank is fully sealed with saran wrap or something similar. Allow the house to air out at least 24 hours before unsealing your tank.Read More →

In: Biology, Caresheets

There may come a time when you find it necessary to euthanize your hermit crab to end it’s suffering. I’m providing the information that I found to be reliable. Please ensure that you are not confusing a surface molt with death. References https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_least_drastic_method_to_kill_decapod_crustaceans_for_subsequent_preservation http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-the-most-humane-way-to-kill-crustaceans-for-human-consumption_625.htmlRead More →

In: Crabitat

The list of critters that can safely exist with hermit crabs is fairly short. Yes Not Safe for Co-habitation https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/permits/regulated-organism-and-soil-permits?fbclid=IwAR0lauj-504Gh1dBJMMcsPJfLOTkyCwVGD1S-LDc4IbfE8iwOYzkr5JLrRkRead More →

In: Caresheets, Crabitat

Please note: As we do not have the necessary information to determine how land hermit crabs are affected by ammonia build up in the water and to what degree we err on the side of caution and treat our water as we would for fish. All information regarding Prime is based on the assumption it is being used in a stable fish tank. Our use is much different. Our primary reason for using Prime is to remove Chlorine and Chloramines and heavy metals from the water and Prime does that well with no recurrence that requires retreatment. Ammonia build up is only an issue whenRead More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients: 1 portion dark red/black cherries1 portion blackberries1 portion blueberries1 portion red apple (Unwaxed only, she peel is the important part)1 portion red beets1/2 portion red raisins1/2 portion dried plums/prunes2 portions red beans (do not skip, or you won’t be able to grind into a powder) Blanch each item in a small pot of crab safe water, reserving and reusing the water for each item. Prunes and raisins get soaked in the warm water last until they are very soft. Blend all items, including the reserved soaking/blanching water (start with a little) until its a paste about as thick as pancake batter. You may feedRead More →

In: Biology

Fig. 1. (A) Morphology of the branchiostegite and anterior appendages of Birgus latro, lateral view with legs omitted. (B) Lateral view of the branchial chamber of Birgus latro with the branchiostegite on the right-hand side reflected upwards to expose the inner surface of the branchiostegite. Note the distinction between the anterior hairlined portion of the branchiostegite and the posterior respiratory portion. The nephropore (antennal gland opening) faces posteriorly and opens directly into the branchial chamber. (Drawing made from a 500 g animal, approximately 20 cm in length excluding appendages, as shown.) Collapse Published in 1991Adaptations to a Terrestrial Existence by the Robber Crab Birgus Latro: VII.Read More →

In: Caresheets

This guide will help you care for a hermit crab that has been attacked, lost several limbs or is suffering from molt complications. General care instructions will be outlined and special exceptions for molting crabs will be included at the end of the guide. If this a newly purchased hermit crab that is dropping limbs you should check out our information on Post Purchase Death Syndrome. PPDS is a common cause of dropped limbs. Dropping multiple limbs indicates extreme stress. Not all hermit crabs can recover from this type of limb loss. Isolate The victim hermit crab needs to be isolated. Use a secure containerRead More →

In: General

Did you accidentally bring home a land hermit crab or a marine hermit crab? We often find people searching our site for care information on what are actually marine hermit crabs and not land hermit crabs. We are a group dedicated to the care of land hermit crabs and provide no care information on marine crabs. Their needs are drastically different from a marine hermit crab and we are not able to provide assistance beyond what is in this file. Please note: In most areas of the U.S. it is ILLEGAL to collect wild life without a proper permit.Shown here you can see they areRead More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients 1.5 cups organic yellow cornmeal (I used Bob’s Red mill) 1 cup packed, freshly ground coconut 1 large very ripe (brown) banana 1 package very ripe strawberries (pint) 1 cup or so sunflower seeds 1.5 cups whole, with shell, dried river shrimp (I used chubbymealworms.ca brand) 2 tbsp beet root powder 2 tbsp carrot root powder 1 tbsp chlorella powder 1 tsp powdered nutra Rose or 2 teaspoons liquid nutra Rose 1 cup dried apple ribbons Soak/cook the cornmeal with treated hot water as per the cooking instructions.Blend the strawberries and banana together and mix with the cornmeal after it cools a little. MixRead More →

In: Recipes

If you are going to be away on vacation these cookies are an easy way to provide your hermit crabs enough food until you return.  In addition to offering a Hermit Crab Oreo Vacation cookie I suggest sprinkling your crabitat with some dried foods. This will encourage foraging and offer lots of different foods at once. Dried flowers, grains, seeds, egg shells, nuts and mealworms are all ideal dried foods.  I recommend that greensand and worm castings be available in your tank pretty much all of the time. You can cycle them out for a day or two if your crabs completely refuse other foods.Read More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients: “Wild Craft” all dried ingredients.passion flower, nettle leaves, African honey bush, mushrooms, chamomile, oak leaves, maple leaves, raspberry leaves, rose, marigold, rose hips, black sesame, chia, flax, wakame (seaweed), coconut, hemp seeds. About equal portions crumbled dried leaves, rose and marigold. A little less of the rest of the ingredients, except the seeds and rose hips. Put enough seeds that it is well distributed throughout, or to your liking.No hard rule on quantities 🙂 Wild forage, clean, blanch and dehydrate yourself, our buy from a reputable source. This is a combo of purchased and foraged ingredients.   Instructions: Crunch up all the leaves andRead More →

In: Crabitat

by Pam Liberatore This is my little diy on a 3D crabitat background.  Please remember this is how I did mine and in no way the only way or the correct way.  I really don’t know if there is a right or wrong way.  I think it comes down to what works for you and good planning of the whole process.   I used the instructions at NEherp and studied them over and over again.   Here is the link: Custom Backgrounds That being said let’s get started. Step 1: First, you need a tank, mine is a 40 gallon breeder tank.  Now I only did oneRead More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients 1 Cup+ dried meal worms1/3 Cup dried beef or chicken (break into small pieces first)1/2 Cup polenta or cornmeal (it’s the same thing)Several clean dry egg shells1/3 Cup peanuts2 tbsp sunflower seeds2 tbsp pine nuts Instructions Blend all ingredients until smooth except nuts. Pulse in nuts last and leave a little chunky. Nuts eventually go bad. Store in a cool dry place, or put in fridge/freezer for long term storage.Store in an airtight container. I prefer glass jars. Does not require refrigeration. Can be frozen. Submitted by Amber MinerRead More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients 1/3 Cup Plain Oats1/4 Cup wheat germ1/4 Cup dried coconut1/4 Cup dried mixed fruit (chop a bit first)3 tbsp Chamomile Flowers2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast2 tbsp flax seeds2 tbsp chia seeds Instructions Blend all ingredients until desired consistency. Store in an airtight container. I prefer glass jars. Optional prep method: For a wet mix add into the blender last:Pure virgin cold pressed oil and honey or mapleAdd enough until it just mixes together to form a crumbly paste. Keep wet version refrigerated.Both can be served “as is” or mix in a little warm water right before serving. Dry version does not require refrigeration. Can beRead More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients Dried green or red algae 3 sheetsKombu (break into pieces or use scissors to chop) 3 medium piecesNori 3 sheetsRed cargo rice, or your favorite nutritionally dense organic rice or grain. 1/4 or 1/3 cup.Freeze dried shrimp 2-3 tbspDried salmon skin 3+ tbsp (do not sub, healthy fat is important!)Dried salmon 2+ tbsp Instructions Blend everything until desired constancy. I don’t like it totally powdered, it should still have a little texture so the crabs can get what they want, or eat the powdery bits. Their choice 🙂Store in an airtight container, I prefer glass jars. Does not require refrigeration. Can be frozen. ForRead More →

In: Recipes

Ingredients: Flax SeedChia SeedAmaranthWheatSesame SeedsQuinoa (Red and White)Kelp PowderMixed seed bird seed with dried fruitOrganic Coconut oil In a small bowl with a lid add all of your dry ingredients. Add a small amount of Coconut Oil (room temp is ideal). Use a spoon to smear the oil around so it begins to pickup the dry ingredients. Mix as well as you can using the spoon then place the lid on the bowl and shake it. You may need to add more oil. If so just add a bit and shake again. You want the seed to be just coated enough to stick together. IRead More →

In: Recipes

Two tablespoons of whole organic yellow corn kernelsTwo tablespoons of extra virgin olive oilCrushed red pepperChicken liver powder (Isopod Connection) Mix 2 tablespoons of evoo in a microwave safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of organic yellow corn kernels. Remove kernels from the bowl and place in a brown bag and set popcorn button. Keep an eye on the bag so it doesn’t catch on fire.Once finished take a hand full of popcorn and break it up. Then dust with about 1/2 teaspoon of chicken liver powder and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper.Put the popcorn in crabitat and watch it disappear. I keep the popcornRead More →

In: General

Welcome to the world Coenobita lila! It’s not often a new species of land hermit crab is announced so this is a pretty big day for us.  Until now the purple land hermit crabs found in Borneo were considered to be C. purpureus AKA Blueberries. This new research document confirms this is false and that the hermit crabs found in Borneo are actually Coenobita lila (for lilac). Check out the details on the Coenobita hermit crab species site: http://coenobitaspecies.com/new-species-of-land-hermit-crab-discovered-coenobita-lila/Read More →

In: Biology, General

When adding newly purchased or adopted hermit crabs to an existing colony, for the long-term health of all, we at CSJ recommend a 30 day quarantine period in an isolation tank. Placing newly purchased or adopted hermit crabs into an existing healthy colony without a quarantine period risks the unnecessary exposure of your healthy hermits to shell disease or parasites. If you are just starting out with hermit crabs and do not have an existing colony or crabitat in place, use of the PPDS Reduction Method will allow you to monitor your new crabs for 30 days and bring them slowly up to ideal environmentalRead More →

In: Food and Nutrition

For the outdoorsy hermit crab enthusiast we have compiled a list of foods that can be collected or harvested. It’s perfect to tuck into your backpack for easy reference. Please forage responsibly! Don’t over collect.  Respect all local, state and federal laws regarding wild foraging and collection. Sustainable Foraging “In addition to considering your own safety when foraging, it is also important to take a long-term view: sustainable foraging means remembering that you are not the only creature which may wish to make use of a given resource. For example, wild berries play an important role in birds’ diets. Whatever you take, leave plenty forRead More →

In: Food and Nutrition

The basics of hermit crab feeding Most commercial hermit crab foods contain ethoxyquin and/or copper sulfate. Fish meal typically contains hidden ethoxyquin that is not required to be listed. Both ethoxyquin and copper sulfate are toxic to invertebrates. There are many things in your kitchen that your hermit crabs can eat also. The collages below made by Amber Miner show some of the more common food items you can safely feed to your hermit crabs. Here is a printable safe food list for feeding your hermit crabs: Safe Food List-A Generous List of Foods Your Hermit Crabs Can Safely Eat Hermit crabs require a nutritionallyRead More →

In: Crabitat

If you’ve ever dealt with ants in your home you know what a challenge it can be to get rid of them. Ants in your home may be a nuisance to you but ants in your hermit crabs’s home can be dangerous. Ants can and will attack molting crabs, and this could kill the hermit crab. If you find ants in your crabitat it is an emergency situation that must be dealt with immediately.   Your approach will depend on the answers to a few questions: Where are they coming from? Are they coming into the crabitat from outside or are they living in theRead More →