Batcrab and Robin

Today when I went to feed the crew I noticed something strange out of the corner of my eye. Somehow little ninja managed to climb up the smooth bamboo stake holding up one corner of the net level, by the single strand of twine each side, and was sleeping on top with a single leg hooked under the twine. No mean feat with a normal shell, with the sheer length of his it would have been even harder.

I snapped a couple of (blurry) pics then left him to it, after a while I noticed movement, at which point the little guy promptly fell off. They constantly amaze me with their climbing abilities, but the fails have to be laughed at.

Rupert has recently changed into a funky new giant polished turbo shell and looks (and moves) much better now. Apparently the murex were not to his liking, but the shell is beautiful and really shows off his gorgeous colouring.

I finally saw him on the net second level I crocheted for them, instead of just the vandalism and pulled down suction cups aftermath. I got some lovely pictures showing off his colouring then managed to get a video of some attempted vandalism followed by his batcrab impression. Ninja also features briefly as he scuttles from dinner into Rupert's coconut hut, luckily they get on well despite the huge size difference!

Introducing The Colony

This blog will be following the progress and exploits of my 6 strong Coenobita violascens colony. Picked from ones for sale at the SEAS invertebrate expo after months of preparation, there were four larges midway though colour transition in very battered shells from the Achatina genus and two tiny ones still sporting their vivid baby colours.

The largest is Rupert, a dark purple sweetheart who from day one has been very brave and friendly, with few nervous reactions and an appetite for squid. The other named thus far is ninja, the vibrant red baby in a very long shell who has already displayed an aptitude for appearing in random high places. 

One other of the larges briefly resurfaced on day three then burrowed back down. There is no death smell or frantic chirping so we are hopeful that the four unnamed burrowers will moult or destress safely and resurface soon.



The crabitat is kept stable at perfect temperatures both day and night by a silver emergency blanket on the back wall's length, and two heatmats between it and the glass. Rupert and ninja are both very active and have been eating well, bathing in their pools and quite happily exploring. The largest cocohut has been claimed by Rupert as his, little ninja has a secret sleeping place and likes to pop up when you least expect it. Updates will be added regularly so keep checking back, and enjoy!