The
life cycle of hermit crabs can be quite a complex process, and one that
is dangerous for the crabs, especially during hatching. So
if you are looking to start your own hermies successfully breed in
captivity, then it might be advantageous for you to discover what
happens during the early stages of a hermie life cycle.
It is important to note that there are two types of hermies available, those that live in the sea, and those that live on land! Although the majority of species live in the sea, the land species are those that keep the majority of people as pets. Therefore, I will concentrate on these. Another important factor to consider is that all hermies, whether they are on the sea or terrestrial species, born in the water.
The first phase of the life cycle of these crawly critters is the mating stage. The male crab has the feminine approach and to encourage them to leave their shell. It does this by lightly tapping on the female shell and enticing them. Once this is accomplished, the male puts his spermatophores in females gonophores and fertilizes the eggs that are stored there. Once this process is completed, the female will carry them around in her abdomen within the limits of their shell. This not only keeps the eggs safe from predators, but keeps them moist.
If the eggs are to be hatched because, the female looks their way to the coast and empties their eggs in the sand or rocks. It is here that the waves to carry them into the sea. This is where the life of the little critters really interesting and somewhat dangerous.
If the tiny hermies are hatched, they are known as the "zoea". You spend the first few weeks swimming around the ocean, the ocean currents can give them miles off course, as part of the plankton. At this stage, they are incredibly vulnerable and easily fall prey to larger sea creatures that have a taste for plankton.
After a few months, and many changes in the skin, change the living conditions of the hermie again. This time begin to resemble tiny zoea, which is more like the crabs that we know and love today. Those who have survived this far now "Glaucothoe" These are tiny crustaceans that can now go swimming about as good as developed. They remain in the ocean, but are still vulnerable to predators because they have no protective shell at this time. You are in a race against time to find a shell that you then find protection and comfort for the perilous journey back to the land. If a glaucothoe tried to make it back to shore without any help a protective shell, then chances are that it's survived pretty minimal.
Upon successful completion avoid all the pitfalls, hermie the baby finally makes his / her home further from the coast, where there live nocturnal, flush for whatever food can be found there. After several molts, and about two years in length, the hermie reached adulthood. It's just that they will begin to grow and therefore can continue intresting life cycle hermit crabs!...
