HCA: Hermit Crab Association

After mourning the loss of my first hermit, a purple pincher named Maui, I eventually decided I was ready to try again. I picked up a couple today, one tiny and one that's quite large (I am hoping he's nice to my little guy). Due to general distrust of pet store employee advice, I didnt ask many questions, as I've used HCA as the primary source for care information. But because of this, I ended up realizing after purchase that I actually got two Ecuadorian crabs, when I thought I was getting PPs!

That being said, what are the main differences in care/preferences I should know about, vs PPs? I checked the care sheet for Es, but it seems like they are pretty similar to pinchers in general. Then again, some members here have (vaguely/in passing) mentioned that Ecuadorians are harder to care for? I'm still new to crabbing, so I want to be sure I'm doing good by them!

Pictures to come when they are a little less shy!

Thanks in advance!

I know E’s need lots of things to climb on and won’t be happy if they don’t have things to climb on.


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Care requirements are pretty similar, but Es tend to be more active.


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Things to climb on. Got it. I am working on installing a topper for extra height.

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JoeHermits wrote:Care requirements are pretty similar, but Es tend to be more active.


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Awesome, that's what I was hoping for.

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Also keep in mind, though, that being more active makes it easier for them to get into trouble. We’ve had several members report streaking (they prefer to run than hide, and dropping their shell can help with a quick getaway) and cannibalism (find weak crabs more easily) from them.


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According to the care sheet, your substrate should be deeper, more like 8-10" instead of 6". Apparently they like to tunnel and dig up molters. They also like temps at 80°F +, while PPs do ok at 75°. That's all I can think of for now.

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JoeHermits wrote:Also keep in mind, though, that being more active makes it easier for them to get into trouble. We’ve had several members report streaking (they prefer to run than hide, and dropping their shell can help with a quick getaway) and cannibalism (find weak crabs more easily) from them.


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Should I worry if his only tank mate is a tiny crab? Is it safer to house similarly sized Es together?

Also, is this more of a problem if their conditions are not correctly maintained, or is this just their personality in general?

CrabbyLover77 wrote:According to the care sheet, your substrate should be deeper, more like 8-10" instead of 6". Apparently they like to tunnel and dig up molters. They also like temps at 80°F +, while PPs do ok at 75°. That's all I can think of for now.

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I hope this one in particular leaves his buddy alone when he's shedding!

Thanks for the tips!

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MauiMama wrote:Should I worry if his only tank mate is a tiny crab? Is it safer to house similarly sized Es together?

Also, is this more of a problem if their conditions are not correctly maintained, or is this just their personality in general?

I do not keep Ecuadorians, however many people have kept them successfully. For the most part they will get along if proper care is given.


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MauiMama wrote:I hope this one in particular leaves his buddy alone when he's shedding!

Thanks for the tips!

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You're welcome!

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They also need 2 proteins and 2 calciums a day.

We have been keeping 4 E's and 4 purples together with no issues since February. We keep approximately 10" of substrate and tons of climbing areas and two wheels in our 65 gallon tall. Our biggest E, Gunshow and biggest purple, HHH get into some heated antenna debates, but not much more.

We did have our smallest E, Damien resurface from a molt naked two months ago. He is the smallest crab in the tank so we ruled out a shell jacking. We think his shell filled with sand while digging and it was easier to ditch the shell than to clean it. We put him in ISO for a few day with some new shells. He took a new shell and kept it. Once back in the regular tank he somehow found his original ditched shell. We haven't had an issue since.

Like everyone mentioned deeper substrate, lots and lots of climbing area, plenty of additional hides and offering multiple proteins will help caring for E's.

MauiMama wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 10:37 pm

Also, is this more of a problem if their conditions are not correctly maintained, or is this just their personality in general?

It's the crab itself. Some are sweet, some are killer.

I have kept Es with no issues. I personally recommend the following:
A minimum of 10-12" of substrate- Es love to dig
At least 2 protein choices daily
A couple of calcium choices at all times (Cuttlebone, oyster shell, shrimp exo, lobster exo, crab exo are all examples).
At least 10 gallons PER crab for Es. Es do not like being crowded.