This splendid land crab (Halloween-Crab, Gercarcinus ruricola) occurs in two colour variants, specifically with red or white base coloration. The colour variation involves both sexes. A mixed pair lived together in harmony for several weeks in my terrarium. These creatures are essentially vegetarian, but will occasionally take frozen foods intended for aquarium fishes, eg bloodworm. They are particularly comical to watch when they gnaw the stem of parsley which looks like theyíd hold bretzel sticks. Even though these crabs remain on land for most of the time, a shallow dish containing regularly changed water should be placed in the terrarium for them. These crabs are crepuscular, preferring to remain in hiding during the day. Even if they appear to be very peaceful among themselves, it must always be borne in mind that crabs (like all crustaceans) are soft and vulnerable after moulting. Hence newly-moulted specimens require secure hiding-places in order to be safe from the very real danger of cannibalism by their companions. These creatures are exceptional climbers, so the container must be tightly covered! Planting the container is problematical on account of the feeding habits of the crabs. Be especially careful to avoid poisonous houseplants!(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Zentralamerika |
| Name | Gercacinus ruricola |
