Increasing Growth and Survival Rate of Land Hermit Crabs (Coenobita sp.) in Artificial Habitat through Feeding Habit

Rory Anthony Hutagalung, Hermawan, Stella Magdalena, Isdaryanto Iskandar and Sylvain Mastrorillo
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Rory Anthony Hutagalung: Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Hermawan: Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Stella Magdalena: Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Isdaryanto Iskandar: Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Sylvain Mastrorillo: University of Toulouse, Ecolab (UMR-CNRS 5245), Toulouse, France

International Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences, 2017, vol. 3, issue 3, 55-59

Abstract: Land hermit crabs (Coenobita sp.) have the potential to be traded as pets especially due to their uniqueness. Indeed, this animal does not have complete exoskeletons and uses gastropod shells to protect itself. However, the animal may not survive in captivity because of the feeding problem. The aim of this study was to increase the growth and survival rate of Coenobita sp. in captivity through the feeding approach. The research was begun by developing a standard curve allowing the estimation of the body weight through total weight. Fresh, non refreshed and mixed feed, as well as feeding patterns were tested by measuring the consumption rate and hermit crabs’ growth and survival rate. The regression between total and body weight for C. rugosus was Y = 0.276X - 0.049 and for C. perlatus was Y = 0.101X1.33. The feed composition between the two species was not significantly different. Both species needed varied, fresh, and low protein content feed. If one of these criteria was not available, the feed consumption rate would decrease, leading to lower growth and survival rate. Non-varied but fresh feed did not affect survival rate. However, the negative effect of non-varied feed was observed on the growth rate. The best feed for hermit crabs was found to be the sequence of apple, followed by jicama, and corn.

Keywords: Coenobita rugosus; Coenobita perlatus; Feeding Habit; Jicama; Corn (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:apa:ijapss:2017:p:55-59

DOI: 10.20469/ijaps.4.50001-3.pdf

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