Hobbies And Interests
Habitat
Lobsters, crabs and hermit crabs are aquatic species. They can all be found in various seas and oceans. They have different preferences of where they live based on water type and terrain. Hermit crabs are found in saltwater and shallow reefs, and some species live in deep seas. Most types of hermit crabs need water to reproduce, although some can be found on land in tropical areas. Crabs live in freshwater, oceans and on land in tropical areas. Lobsters are found in all oceans around the world. Clawless varieties live in tropical waters, while coldwater species live on either side of the Atlantic Ocean. They live on rocks, sand and mud at the bottom of deep seas.
Anatomy
The anatomy of lobsters, crabs and hermit crabs are significantly different. Lobsters are invertebrates and have ten walking legs. Varieties of coldwater lobsters have two large front claws, while those found in tropical regions do not. They have an exoskeleton that protects them from predators and must molt throughout their life in order to grow. Crabs also have an exoskeleton, but their body shape is much smaller than that of a lobster. They have a set of claws used to attract a mate. Crabs are identifiable because they walk sideways. The hermit crab is unlike the lobster and crab because it does not have its own outer shell for protection. It has to take on the abandoned shell of another animal to protect its soft abdomen from predators.
Behavior
The three types of crustaceans exhibit different behavior. Lobsters are a lonesome species. They burrow holes only for themselves. On the other hand, crabs live in large groups but are often aggressive toward each other. Males are more aggressive, usually fighting over females. They also fight to win the right for a hiding place. However, they work together to scavenge for food and protection. Hermit crabs can be found in large groups, sometimes in colonies of up to a hundred. They are social toward each other but will kill others to fight for an empty shell.
As Pets
Hermit crabs the most popular crustacean to keep as a pet. Some species only live a few months, while others have a life span of over 20 years. They can be useful in aquariums as they eat algae and debris. They need a humidity-controlled environment and enough depth in the tank to completely bury themselves while molting. Lobsters are omnivores; however, if you have many pet lobsters in a tank, they can become cannibals. Crabs need controlled humidity levels and water to survive. They also need flooring in order to burrow into.
Taste
Lobster and crab are used in seafood recipes. The taste of each differs. Crab tastes range from mild and sweet to briny, with the legs being a popular area to eat. Lobster meat is tougher than crab and not as sweet. The claws and legs have the most amount of meat to eat from.