I have acquired 2 little crabs at the pet store the other day. Here's their story:
The store ordered 4 rainbow crabs, thinking they are aquatic crabs. When they arrived, they did some research and realized they are actually mostly land crabs, and that they should not be kept together. Well 2 of them died, and they put the other 2 in small critter carriers. It's been about a month since I first saw them there. They looked so helpless and lonely and I was tempted to take them home but didn't because I didn't know what to do with them. Every time I went back to the store I'd go check if they're still there... Well, the 5th or 6th time I went in, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to rescue them.
After I got home I did some thorough research, but did not find much at all. Only that they're probably not Rainbow crabs, but fit the description of purple Thai devil crab. I also assumed they're both females because they don't have a large pincher, so I felt comfortable housing them together. This is the scientific name I found CLARIOSOMA CAMIFAX.
For now (I've only had them 2 days) they're in a 15L plastic tote with coral sand and some rocks to hide under. I also put in a bowl of distilled water with a bit of InstantOcean mix. From what I found, they seem to be freshwater? so I put only a little amount of the ocean mix to add some minerals and electrolytes and such. Since I have hermit crabs too, I have a decent variety of crab food, so they have a dish with things like hermit crab pellets, dried cocunut, crab fruit salad, Hikari crab cuisine pellets, Hikari brine shrimp, and Hikari daphnia.
I've noticed they changed color over the past 2 days. They were pretty much black when I brought them, but now they're more dark purple, and their markings are brighter. I also noticed they are getting light blue markings on their sides, and their eyes are more brighter red. Hopefully that's a good sign?
One of them is skiddish and active, and does not let (her)self be picked up. The other is much calmer, and doesn't really move much. Even let's (her)self be picked up.
Knowledge, Advice, anything appreciated!!!
Thanks
The store ordered 4 rainbow crabs, thinking they are aquatic crabs. When they arrived, they did some research and realized they are actually mostly land crabs, and that they should not be kept together. Well 2 of them died, and they put the other 2 in small critter carriers. It's been about a month since I first saw them there. They looked so helpless and lonely and I was tempted to take them home but didn't because I didn't know what to do with them. Every time I went back to the store I'd go check if they're still there... Well, the 5th or 6th time I went in, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to rescue them.
After I got home I did some thorough research, but did not find much at all. Only that they're probably not Rainbow crabs, but fit the description of purple Thai devil crab. I also assumed they're both females because they don't have a large pincher, so I felt comfortable housing them together. This is the scientific name I found CLARIOSOMA CAMIFAX.
For now (I've only had them 2 days) they're in a 15L plastic tote with coral sand and some rocks to hide under. I also put in a bowl of distilled water with a bit of InstantOcean mix. From what I found, they seem to be freshwater? so I put only a little amount of the ocean mix to add some minerals and electrolytes and such. Since I have hermit crabs too, I have a decent variety of crab food, so they have a dish with things like hermit crab pellets, dried cocunut, crab fruit salad, Hikari crab cuisine pellets, Hikari brine shrimp, and Hikari daphnia.
I've noticed they changed color over the past 2 days. They were pretty much black when I brought them, but now they're more dark purple, and their markings are brighter. I also noticed they are getting light blue markings on their sides, and their eyes are more brighter red. Hopefully that's a good sign?
One of them is skiddish and active, and does not let (her)self be picked up. The other is much calmer, and doesn't really move much. Even let's (her)self be picked up.
Knowledge, Advice, anything appreciated!!!
Thanks
