3 X Ruggie Hermit Crab, Coenobita Rugosa

The Ruggie hermit crab, Coenobita Rugosa, is a great little hermit crab for the hobbyist. Like the Caribbean hermit crab, its care though specific, is relatively simple .  Ruggies are social creatures and do best kept in groups of at least 3. They need a habitat that is large enough for them to climb, burrow, and hide. The tank should be at least 20 gallons in size and have a sandy substrate, rocks, driftwood, a salt water bathing pool and a fresh water drinking pool. You can also add live plants to the tank, but make sure they are not poisonous to these crabs. If in doubt, artificial plants are also a great addition. Coenobita Rugosa needs a source of both fresh and saltwater. The fresh water should be changed daily and the saltwater should be changed weekly.  These crabs are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, protein such as raw or cooked fish, chicken and egg, and calcium such as egg shell or cuttle bone. Be sure to include a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.  Your Coenobita Rugosa “Ruggie” hermit crab will need a humid environment, and the humidity in the tank should be kept between 70% and 80%. You can do this by keeping the substrate damp and misting the tank daily or using a humidifier. These crustaceans are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some special attention. They need a source of suitable shells to change into as they wish and some will change shells often. Substrate should be at least 3 x the length of the crab for them to safely burrow and moult. They need hermit crabby company, one crab on its own is in danger of becoming depressed and dying. They need lots of climbing opportunities and other things to stimulate their active and mischievous little minds. They have even been known to enjoy using a hamster wheel!