Successfully hatching hermit crab eggs

[emjs777]

I recently witnessed one of my dwarf blue-leg hermits switching shells and noticed she had a mass of eggs attached to her. I removed this crab from the main tank into a .85g because I am interested in protecting the hatched eggs. I know the chance that they will grow successfully is small, but its an experiment I would like to try! I am prepared with brine shrimp for when they hatch...the problem is that I have no idea when this will be. I have not found any information about breeding hermits, if it is even done. If anyone has any experience/advice, it would be appreciated!

 

[Len]

Yep, unfortunately it's a long shot to raise these eggs to adulthood. Depending on the species, it may take 7-10 days for gestation. Once their hatched, they're free-swimming larvae, so turn off all mechanical filters in your tank. I'm not sure what these tiny larvae feed off of, but I'm sure brine shrimp is far too big. I'd try either phytoplankton, rotifers, or Golden Pearls (smallest size possible). Other then that, there's not much else you can do. Oh, remove the adult hermit once the babies become independent; the mom just might go about eating her young 8O