Newcastle Aquarium Society

THE LAND HERMIT CRAB makes a wonderful pet. It is very friendly, intelligent, odour free and very clean. The crab has evolved to live on land and uses an empty shell foe its home, as well as for protection. Remember, it is a land animal and must not be kept in water.

HOUSING; Use an aquarium with a class cover,humidity is essential to the crabs well-being. The floor of the aquarium should be kept dry and covered with shell grit, aquarium sand, or in winter coarse saw dust to help keep them warm. A piece of drift wood or mangrove root looks effective as well as providing a great playground. Land hermit crabs love to climb.

WATER; Two bowls of water must be provided, one containing freshwater for drinking and the other containing salt water for bathing. Ensure the water bowls are sturdy and cannot be tipped over. As previously mentioned, the floor of the aquarium must be kept dry. Chang the water frequently to keep it clean.

FOOD; A range of foods can be offered including fish pellets, any cereal, bread, shredded coconut, apple, and other varieties of fruits. Only put in small quantities at a time to ensure it is fresh when eaten.

EXTRA SHELLS; The crab will climb out of it's shell and "Put On " a new one from time to time. Therefore, a few spare shells should be kept in the aquarium for this purpose. It is essential slightly larger size one is available to the crab after it has moulted.

MOULTING; Like other crabs, the land hermit crab needs to cast off it's outer skeleton, usually twice a year . After it has moulted the crab needs to be lift along for several weeks until it's new skeleton hardens.

hi there! im your new goldfish.

I'll be a good friend to you for a long time if you give me proper care and attention, and I promise not to tell any SECRETS you tell me. HERE'S A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP ME HEALTHY;

1. PLEASE dont put my tank in direct sunlight or in a draught. The more stable my temperature is the happier I'll be.

2. I like to be fed once a day but please not too much. All I need is as much as I can eat in two minutes, Too much food makes the water stale and soupy. You wouldn't like to sleep in a bed full of soup, would you?

3. PLEASE change my water once a week. To do this empty out 1/3 of the water and top up the tank slowly so as not to stir up the water. Rainwater is the best or you can get water of the tap and LEAVE it in a container for a few days, this helps to get rid of chlorine and ammonia and other yucky things that are in it.