New one accidentally picked up from beach today...

[Mim]

Hi all,
My neighbors grandson accidentally picked up a shell with a hermit crab in it... I have never seen this type before...
It's all black & spiky.. Seems to be healthy.. Have it in iso now... Any ideas on what type it is?? Mostly black with spikes... With yellow underneath... It's an absolute stunner...

[Mim]

It looks very much like this....

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl= ... 66&bih=578

(NT007. Clibanarius taeniatus -Yellow-striped Hermit Crab)

[Wai]

It's a marine hermit crab. If I were you I would return it back to the ocean, but you could try raising it in captivity.

[FreeCrabby]

Wow I have never seen one like that before! Yes I just googled the scientific name and it came up with a lot of links that it hangs out in marine areas not so much a land hermit crab like the others we keep.

This thread seems to have some info on keeping them http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 5&t=181512

and

http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 45&t=64911

[ladybug15057]

Certainly a different looking hermie! Wai is right it is a marine hermie. Not sure about Aus. marine hermies, but here in U.S. majority of wild caught marine hermies will die if removed from the beach. From what I have read, it is my understanding that they need to slowly adjust.
Please read about 1/2 way down on our sister site:
http://naturallycrabby.com/home////blog ... -the-beach

[Mim]

Poor little guy isn't looking too good... When the took it home, they threw it in a fresh water fish tank!!!!
Demands they bring it over so I could give it a chance... Poor little thing...

[Mim]

Any Idea on how to care for a marine crab?? Until i Can get it home??

[Mim]

the striped-leg hermit crab (Clibanarius taeniatus) Seems to be this one...
http://www.ozcoasts.org.au/indicators/hermit_crabs.jsp

[Mim]

Poor little guy just passed... :'-(

[ladybug15057]

Mim I am so sorry, you tried your best.