Ryean’s Claw-some Bond with His Pet Hermit Crab, SpongeBob

A Fascination Born at the Beach

Ryean Ash Nair’s father pointed out the tiny hermit crabs scuttling along the beach during a family trip to Port Dickson. Ryean was immediately smitten with their cuteness, reminiscent of Gary, the pet snail from “SpongeBob SquarePants.” This moment became even more significant after his father’s passing, and Ryean continues to cherish it by keeping his own hermit crab, named SpongeBob.

An Easy-Care Companion

Ryean chose to keep a hermit crab instead of a dog or cat due to their low maintenance. “I only have to feed SpongeBob every other day,” he shared. The diet consists of fish food, cucumbers, and occasional treats like fruit. This simplicity is one of the reasons Ryean appreciates his pet.

A Little Adventure Seeking

SpongeBob loves to explore and can be a bit mischievous. Despite his tiny size, he often falls off things. Ryean describes him as “adventurous” and “a bit of a clown.” This playful nature makes him an entertaining companion.

A Special Bond

Ryean sees his relationship with SpongeBob as unique. “He’s not the best listener, but I still talk to him. He’s kind of like my little buddy.” They have shared many funny moments, like the time his cousins almost mistook SpongeBob’s shell for a regular seashell, only to see his tiny legs poking out.

Maintaining a Healthy Environment

Ryean has set up a tank with cocopeat and driftwood, complete with a water bowl filled with coral stones and blue salt. Hermit crabs love to dig and soak in water, so it’s essential to keep the tank damp and spray it with water a few times a day. SpongeBob also needs a variety of shells to choose from. Ryean recalls panicking when he saw SpongeBob’s shell without the little guy inside – until he realized hermit crabs change their “homes” as they grow.

Future Plans

Ryean’s love for exotic creatures doesn’t stop with hermit crabs. He’s contemplating adding vampire crabs and snails to his collection. “I love cute animals, especially the ones people don’t always think about.”

Conclusion

Ryean’s bond with SpongeBob is a heartwarming reminder of the joy pets can bring to our lives. His story encourages us to consider the unique characteristics and needs of animals, even those that may not be as conventional as dogs or cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the secret to caring for a hermit crab?
A: Hermit crabs are low maintenance pets. They require a balanced diet, regular hydration, and a healthy environment with plenty of shells to choose from.

Q: How often do hermit crabs change their shells?
A: Hermit crabs can change their shells as they grow, which is an essential part of their natural behavior.

Q: Can I keep multiple hermit crabs together?
A: It’s best to keep individual hermit crabs in separate tanks to prevent aggression and stress.

Q: What are some popular pet hermit crab species?
A: Some popular pet hermit crab species include the Caribbean hermit crab, the Ecuadorian hermit crab, and the South African hermit crab.