Crab Con - The World's First Hermit Crab Convention

LOCKPORT, N.Y. - June 10, 2019 - PRLog -- To date, researchers have found it challenging to successfully raise hermit crab eggs in their labs. As a result, all hermit crabs sold are wild-caught from beaches around the world and shipped to the US. From the time they leave the beach, they are denied proper food, water, and environment. Many are tortured into wearing painted shells. Wild hermit crabs live many, many decades. Yet, once purchased as a pet, they typically die within a few months due to improper care. Hobbyist Mary Akers, however, has successfully raised 204 eggs (zoea) from two different species (Coenobita clypeatus and C. compressus). Hatched in the fall of 2018, these baby hermit crabs are ready to be adopted at the first annual International Land Hermit Crab Owners Society Convention (named CrabCon for short).

The International Land Hermit Crab Owners Society Convention/Crab Con will take place in Lockport NY July 12-14 2019. The convention will feature educational talks (including on breeding) and hermit crab food and supplies vendors. The convention is open to the public, and all hermit crab enthusiasts and researchers are invited. Adopters must be pre-approved.

All details can be found here:

http://lhcos.org/2019-international-lhcos-conference-and-adoption-event/

LHCOS is excited by the potential presented by Mary's success. We hope to work with the best zoos around the world to establish proper hermit crab habitats and breeding programs.

Only two species are found natively in the US. Coenobita clypeatus is found in the Caribbean and Coenobita compressus is found is extreme southern California.  Numerous other species are found in the tropics around the world, including the cousin to Coenobita, the coconut crab or robber crab (Birgus latro). Land hermit crabs have a modified gill that allows them to breathe air after they transition from megalopa to hermit crab. They require a humid, warm environment to survive and deep sand to molt in.Coenobita clypeatus has been sold as a pet, or beach souvenirs, since the 1970s. The most famous hermit crab in captivity is Jonathon Livingston who has lived with his human, Carol Ormes, in Miami FL since 1976. They have been featured in the news on several occasions.

Who are we?

Founded in 1999, the LHCOS' mission is to make accurate and easily accessible care information widespread by forming a network of websites that follow the C.A.R.E. principles. LHCOS will join chelipeds with other quality hermit crab care sites and form an internet island paradise for hermit crabs and their owners. This will make available an unlimited resource of knowledge for those dedicated to keeping healthy, happy hermit crabs. We want to strengthen our voice with respect to the products developed for hermit crab care and ensure pet stores and owners understand the proper care methods. We promote humane treatment of these animals to the world so there is less abuse and mistreatment due to the lack of proper care information.

Principles

• C. Community
• A. Awareness/Activism
• R. Research/ Rescue
• E. Education