Halloween Crab Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

 8-10 years

AVERAGE SIZE

 2-4 inches long

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Halloween Crabs are nocturnal and spend most of their days burrowing in their hides, however they become very active at night. They are generally very shy and regular handing is not recommended. They are also very territorial so keeping multiple adults together is not recommended as they will fight.

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Daytime: 75°-85° F

Nighttime: Not to drop below 60°F

HUMIDITY

70% humidity levels

MOLTING

Most crabs will molt every 18 months or so. DO NOT touch your crab while he is molting. When your crab molts, he will climb out of the old exoskeleton. DO NOT remove the old molt; your crab will eat it. It contains many good nutrients for your crab, and he knows it!

FEEDING

In the wild Halloween Crabs feed on vegetation, invertebrates, carrion and fruits. Fresh vegetables, ripe fruits, freeze dried or deceased crickets or other feeder insects, crab pellets, fish flakes and cooked protein sources such as chicken should all be offered for a complete diet.

SUPPLEMENTS

Dust food with calcium supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than adult food. 

WATER

All water given to Halloween Crabs for bathing, swimming or drinking, as well as water used for misting must be 100% free of chlorine and all heavy metals. 

BRANCHES & PLANTS

Adding live non-toxic plants to your Halloween Crab’s terrarium can help maintain and increase humidity levels as well as provide fresh greens to graze on. Branches or vines should be offered as climbing and hiding spots.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

A minimum of 10 gallons of tank is suitable for a single adult Halloween Crab. 

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a loose coconut fiber substrate mixed with sand kept deep enough for a crab to burrow in.  

DAY/NIGHT LIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All crabs must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosures. Halloween Crabs need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month. 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 10 Gal (or larger) tank with secure mesh top
• Large dome & appropriately sized heat light or under tank heating pad for a source of heat
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Sand & coconut fiber substrate
• Multiple live or artificial plants, small branches, wood perches & vines to climb & hide in (non-toxic)
• At least 2 hide houses
• Large water bowl - big enough to soak in
• Freeze-dried insects & commercial crab/fish foods
• Calcium supplements
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Spray bottle

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.