Hermit crab in need of a home is first for GSPCA
DOGS, cats, parrots and many other creatures have been rehomed by the GSPCA, but it has a first on its hands – a hermit crab named Tamatoa.
The animal was abandoned in his tank in April and has since proved a fascinating hit with group visits.
‘We are certain that this is the first hermit crab we’ve had come to us, it is a very unusual animal to have here,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.
‘It’s not something you ever hear, someone calling up interested in rehoming a hermit crab.’
Tamatoa, named after the crab from Disney film Moana, feeds mainly on mashed up insects and the team at the GSPCA have given him a selection of snail and sea shells so he can choose whichever one he wants on his back.
Mr Byrne described Tamatoa as ‘inquisitive’ and said he often comes out of his shell to explore.
‘There are 800 different species of hermit crab, and we’re not entirely sure which one he is, but he is about the size of a tennis ball with his shell on,’ he said.
In the wild hermit crabs live on the coast, but Tamatoa will not require water in his tank at his new home, just a natural enclosure replicating a sandy beach with insects and food for foraging.
‘Like with all exotic pets, it can be complicated recreating their natural environments, and so they often are kept alone,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘Ideally a hermit crab would be kept with others, however keeping them in an enclosed space can mean that they can’t get away from the others like they would be able to do on the beach.’
The GSPCA is looking for someone who has experience of keeping crabs or is up for researching what a hermit crab needs in order to adopt Tamatoa.
Anyone interested can call 257261 or email [email protected] for more information.
