HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi everyone!
Well this is the 3rd time this year I have Live Zoea in my salt water dish, 100's of them
Has anyone tried to keep them alive? if so what did you do? mine are over 24 hours old now, all help will be greatly appreciated!



edited - to show update of subject

Wolf's thread on her babies starting here: viewtopic.php?f=30&t=87620&start=75
And Curl, who got them onto land: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=88646
I believe there was more German member who got babies as well to land.
And Naalide, who currently has last-stage babies (her blog, as well) viewtopic.php?f=8&t=90500

It's a challenge, but Aussie crabs should be easier as they have an abbreviated larval stage and grow a LOT faster than the other species. (Es are the same.)
That they made it 24 hours is awesome! I had five batches of fertilized eggs that I knew about, and none of the babies lasted more than 12 hours.

Thanks for that wodesorel!
Im reading like mad.
Looks like I will have to familiarise myself with the salt water aquarium so I'm ready next time! Im going to give it a crack though, its all a learning curve like life

Ok so lights are off and they have settled. I see how they were crushing each other against the edge, hence a few casualties so far.
Im feeding powdered tropical flakes & spiralina atm as this is whats available on hand. I will get to the pet store/fish shop tomorrow & suss out other alternatives that dont foul the water so quick.
My salt water is Aqua nova coral salt, this is all I ever use as my salt water.
My heart is pounding

Moved to a growing tank with 24hr light and appear to be doing well.
wodesorel when you say abbreviated larval stage how abbreviated?
I better get cracking with tiny shells then (just incase we get that far) & a setup so they can transition to land (head spinning with ideas) also the links you provided have been brilliant, Thank you!
I have Brine shrimp eggs on the way so Im hoping they will hold out till they arrive. Im using dry fry food from my local Fish shop guru atm.

3rd time, wow! Well if they don't make it this time, I have a feeling you'll have many other oppurtunities. My fingers are still crossed for your little ones though, keep us updated on how it goes

WOW! I love that you are totally goin' for it! Good luck, we'll be rooting for you!

I've read the whole thing once, but I can't find it and I don't have access to it now:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1 ... 1479036431

If I remember correctly (wolf where are you??), it means they don't have as many molts before getting to land as PPs and other species do, so they spend less time in water and get out to land much quicker. You won't have to play around with feeding them or maintain water quality as long as those of us who are trying with PPs will.

If anybody needs crab journal PDF's, I can get anything and sent it to ya. I haven't read much on aussies. That paper wode mentioned is the only one I know of for the larvae.

Thanks wodesorel, I will have to save for that :-/ & I was looking at that exact document earlier today lol. Ive just spent a few dollars more than anticipated on Brine shrimp eggs & cultures to try. I gather most zoea die from starvation....
Least next time I will have a better idea.
wolfnipplechips can you get that document?
Trying to work out this photo thing, been so long (shakes head)

Zoea before moving

I appear to be loosing them due to starvation


Set up atm

Can you get a hold of brine shrimp eggs? That's been the go-to food for everyone.

Congrats!
Like I said on HCP, so happy for you

Are they all dead???