collecting hermits in Southern Cal

[venomfx]

Would you guys/gals think it'd be a good/wise idea to travel down to San Diego to one of the local rocky reefs/beaches to collect some hermit crabs as opposed to having to purchase them from the LFS or mail order??? Not trying to be cheap but since im in San Diego every other month it seems, it would be a chance to save some money and ease the overcrowding of crabtropolis.

Are there strict local laws in SOuthern Cal regarding collecting wildlife such as a few (20 or so) hermit crabs ??

Any locals from that area (SD) with any info would be appreciated

[Aquabucket]

Contact your state fishing license agency.

All the rules on collecting should be available through them.

Here in Florida you can collect Hermits if you have a standard SW fishing license.

I collect what I call micro-hermits which stay the size of a chick pea. They are great little algae and detritus eaters which don't knock over and disturb things.

Hermits from California waters may require cooler temperatures though. Make sure you can match that in your tank otherwise the animals may not fair so well.

[55Reef]

Actually I think it is Illegal to collect anything.

Also our tanks would be too warm for them.

I've already thought of this.:D