Description
In compared to other hermit crabs, the halloween hermit crab often reaches a length of 2 inches (5.1 cm). It bears a shield that is 0.315 inches (8 mm) long and significantly flattened. It has been called “conspicuous” and is a nocturnal species. It primarily inhabits empty cone shells, primarily those of tritons or snails. It uses its shell, like other hermit crabs, to ward against predators. The antennal flagella are translucent, and the ocular peduncles and antennae have a solid orange colour. The dactyls (the moveable portion of the pincers) of the propodus have parallel ridges that match the parallel ridges on the palm.
The unique and vivid colouring of the halloween hermit crab is well known. With vividly coloured walking legs, a red body, and alternate horizontal bright orange and white bands, it has been described as an uncommon hermit crab and the brightest of the hermit crabs generally available. These features make it resemble the festive Halloween colors. Aquarists find the Halloween hermit crab appealing due of these qualities.
Distribution
The Indo-West Pacific region, which includes the Red Sea, the west coast of India, Sri Lanka, and the northwest coast of Australia, as well as Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Japan, Northern Mariana and Guam, , the Philippines, East Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Hawaii, is home to a large population of Halloween hermit crabs.
Behavior
The Halloween hermit crab is a nocturnal animal. They usually nap during the day and emerge at night. They are frequently active and on the lookout for food. However, they occasionally remain motionless inside the shell for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, Halloween hermit crabs are not entirely benign, particularly when it comes to shells. They can, however, live in harmony with their fellow tankmates if they have everything they require.
Keeping as Pet
Tank Size:
For each adult Halloween hermit crab you intend to keep in the tank, it is advised that you supply a tank that is at least 15 gallons (or 60 litres) in size.
Water Parameters:
The ideal conditions for Halloween hermit crab growth are 22–28°C (72–82°F), pH 8.0–8.5, KH 8–16, and SG = 1.020–1.025.
Substrate and Decorations:
They favour aquariums with live rock and a substrate (like sand or small pebbles) for them to sift through. Halloween hermit crabs are nocturnal, as I’ve already explained, and they frequently hide when the tank lights are on in or near the living rock.
Feeding Halloween Hermit Crab:
Given that Halloween hermit crabs are omnivores, feeding them is simple. They make excellent cleaners and scavengers. They will consume anything and everything they can find in your aquarium, including waste, rotting matter, green hair algae, dead organisms etc.
The advantage of their natural diet is that Halloween hermit crabs will naturally clear your aquarium of extra algae because of their desire for the green stuff. Do not, however, fall into the trap of believing that they are scavengers now. Once or twice a week, give your Halloween hermit crabs food. You might give them algae tablets, frozen mysis shrimp, raw table shrimp, scallops, clams and mussels, for instance.
Table
