Hermit Crab

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�Emillie's World�

� HERMIT CRAB
Scientific Name:� Coenobita clypeatus
Distribution:� Florida, West Indies, South America
Size:� Up to about 4"� Usually smaller
Temperament:� Usually good tempered but watch out these guys can really pinch hard if they get a hold of you.
FOOD:� You can buy commercial hermit crab chow in pet stores. They will also eat chicken scratch, corn meal, peanut butter, fruits & vegetables such as apples, bananas, pears, lettuce, potatoes both regular & sweet ones, spinach. These creatures need a supplementation of vitamin/calcium powder in small amounts sprinkled on their food every other day. Available in pet stores.
HOUSING:� a 10 gallon aquarium with a screen top is big enough to house a bunch. You can also use small bird cages or a similar wire enclosure. Use sand for the bottom. Landscape with various select pieces of driftwood, branches, cork bark, rocks and a variety of sizes of shells for the animal to switch to as they grow.
WATER:� Use only dechlorinated water. Use a shallow dish, one that is easy for them to get into and soak. Clean dish & provide fresh water often.
TEMPERATURE:� 65-85 degrees F
HUMIDITY:� An occasional misting with a squirt bottle provides adequate humidity.
LIGHTING:� Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. It is recommended that they get U/V radiation lighting to lengthen their lives. This can be provided by taking them outdoors in the sun. Or U/V lighting fixtures are readily available.
HEATING:� No extra heat source is necessary if they are kept between 65-85 degrees F.
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