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In recent years, interest in pet crustaceans (crabs, hermit crabs, crayfish, and dwarf shrimp) has increased considerably around the world. However, as with any pet, a few things should be considered before committing to care for these animals and one of them is handling.
Unlike conventional pets, such as dogs and cats, exotic animals are not for everyone because in most cases, they do not like to be handled. I need to repeat it once again – crustaceans are not pets you can cuddle with.
In this article, I will be talking about how to handle crabs, crayfish, and dwarf shrimp in the least stressful way possible for them.
The main reason why interaction with these animals should be minimal is that their nervous system is too simple to learn and remember that this is safe.
Crustaceans and not very smart creatures and, generally, operate on their instinctual nature.
In the wild, they spend their days mostly hiding and foraging. In most species, there is no even courtship behavior and, definitely, they do not play with each other.
Because of this, they also prefer nocturnal activity as it allows them to avoid visual predators whilst feeding.
As we can see, in crustacean’s world, being invisible is the best they can with for. If they are picked up, it usually triggers aggressive (try to pinch) or defensive reactions (they try to run or swim away). Handling for them is associated with danger.
Many species have the unique ability to autotomize (self-amputate) their limbs or other appendages. This is another defensive reaction. Basically, they are sacrificing one part of the body to make a quick getaway.
Luckily, crustaceans can rapidly regrow lost appendages and limbs (except eyes) after molting.
Interesting fact: Scientists use these animals as model organisms in their experiments to study regeneration for its potential uses in medicine.
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Although they do not like handling, there are can be situations when we need to handle them. For example, in such cases as:
Therefore, we need to know and understand how we can handle them safely.
Beginners may need time to practice it several times but actually, it is pretty simple and can be done with one hand.
Sides holding:
Back and bottom holding:
Important: Do not squeeze your fingers, it can harm the crab. In addition, I would not recommend holding ovigerous females this way. In crabs, an egg mass develops beneath the female’s apron (abdomen). Even if you hold her gently, the pressure can crush the eggs.
Using a pair of tongs or gloves:
If you are afraid to get pinched, you can use a pair of tongs to pick up a crab. However, be very careful with that. Do not squeeze them too tightly.
Using gloves will let you hold the rear part of the crab along with some rear legs.
Unlike crabs, crayfish are more mobile in the water. They use their tails to quickly propel themselves (backward) through the water. So, it can be really hard to do the same trick (put your finger on top of their carapace) to prevent escapes.
The problem with hermit crabs is that different species prefer different types of shells. Obviously, it is not possible to have the same grip for all shells.
Important: It is not recommended to place hermit crabs on your palm. First of all, it is not safe, they can easily fall. Second, if you think that they won’t be able to pinch flat palm, you are wrong.
Actually, I would strongly recommend avoiding any attempt to catch dwarf shrimp with your bare hands.
Dwarf shrimp are very small creatures and their carapace can be easily crushed even with a gentle touch.
Therefore, if you need to catch and/or remove them from the tank – take a net and carefully scoop them out.
OK, let’s say you got distracted and the crab or crayfish pinched you. Unfortunately, it can happen to the most careful of us. So, do you get them to let go?
The best way to get terrestrial crabs or hermit crabs off you is to put your hand in their enclosure and wait for them to walk away.
If it does not work or it is getting too painful, in this case, you can:
I have seen some articles which are supposedly telling how to bond with crabs and crayfish, or even how to play with them! Those authors recommend starting by learning the proper handling techniques, then move on to playing games and bonding later.
Well, this is not scientifically proven.
For example, it is true that some crayfish species (Cherax destructor), according to the experiments, showed that they are capable of visual recognition of individuals. However, the extent to which they remember visual features is unknown.
In most cases, this ‘recognition’ is nothing more but unconscious reflex responses that assist in withdrawing from tissue-damaging stimuli. In other words, this is an instinctive reaction.
Playing presumes the existence of the long-term recognition memory. Memory and reflexes are not the same. Unfortunately, those authors do not mention it.
Therefore, crabs, crayfish, and shrimp do not bond with the owner. They may recognize you as a low threat but they will never play. It is just beyond their abilities.
As you can see, it is not that difficult and with the proper steps and precautions, you can handle crustaceans pretty easily.
Crustaceans should never be held unless it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, if you want a pet for handling, then these animals are not for you.
Crustaceans get stressed easily when handled.
However, if you have to pick it up, the easiest and safest way will be to grab them from the
top. Pick them up by its carapace or shell (for hermit crabs)