Is my crab too anti-social?

[MauiMama]

I adopted my (first and only) hermie from a woman looking to rehome him. It sounds like she had everything right, as far as humidity/temp, substrate depth and consistency, plentiful shells, enough room, etc. But he had originally lived with 3 friends and he brutally massacred them all. She tried to add one new friend after that, bathed it first and everything, and he became the next victim.

I am currently keeping Maui alone. I try to provide him with toys and stimulation and climbing opportunities and interesting foods. I worry about adding new crabs, because I don't want him to kill more of his brethren. Not only that, I can't afford to keep supplying them if he determines that they are unworthy (I live in Minnesota, they don't just wander around up here lol)

But, I have read that you shouldn't keep them alone. What's the best option?

[aussieJJDude]

It certainly is a tough decision. With known attackers, it's certainly hard to gauge their aggression. Some crabs for whatever reason just dont mix with others, and do best alone.


If you do decide to get more crabs, keep in mind the current tank size. How big is it? Can it support another crab or two? Multiple new crabs well help spread out aggression, but of course, means a larger tank to house them all comfortably.


Another good idea is to get crabs larger than he is, so they can easily defend themselves against Maui. Larger crabs need bigger tanks, which also make it hard. How big is Maui?

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[MauiMama]

Another good idea is to get crabs larger than he is, so they can easily defend themselves against Maui. Larger crabs need bigger tanks, which also make it hard. How big is Maui?

I currently have a 10-gallon, it came with him at adoption. In-shell, he's right between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball. I'm also so new to the hobby that I don't want to take on more than I can handle, in a time and financial sense. But I also want what's best for my crabbie.

[aussieJJDude]

He sounds like a medium-large. Honestly I would hold off on getting another crab due to your tank size - and the crabs prior history - since they do require a bit of space per crab to be happy. If your set out on getting another crab or two - the care requirements hardly change - just as most a larger tank, more substrate and larger heater is needed.... They don't require a whole lot if the current setup is setup similar to HCA guidelines IMO.

[MauiMama]

I took great care in setting up his tank to meet all of the guidelines, EXCEPT him having a buddy. I just don't want him to be lonely or depressed.

[aussieJJDude]

Understandable,but in a 10g with a sizable crab that's had bad history, I would just wait until upgrading.


Funnily enough, most of the longer lived crabs are in pairs or kept solo! So for whatever reason, solo crabs seem to have the best track record in captivity for longevity.

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[MauiMama]

That makes me feel a lot better. I hope to give him a long and happy life!

[Scarletfire]

If he's attacking other crabs, just make sure he has enough protein as well! He could just be seeking nutrients it's lacking.

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[MauiMama]

Good point. He does get a pretty steady supply of nuts now (he especially loves walnuts). Maybe I'll give him time to settle in and introduce a similarly sized friend in the future.

[Hermiesguardian]

Good point. He does get a pretty steady supply of nuts now (he especially loves walnuts). Maybe I'll give him time to settle in and introduce a similarly sized friend in the future.

Does he get animal protein? And calcium?

[MauiMama]

He gets meat a couple times a week, and he always has cuttlebone in his crabitat. I also have a calcium supplement that I sprinkle on his treats now and then.

[GotButterflies]

Bugs, chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, egg, etc.
oyster shell, coral, eggshell other calcium sources

[MauiMama]

He loves pork too xD