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Hermit Crabs & Their Environment

Hermit crabs live inside a shell. Once it hatches from its egg, it will drift until it finds a suitable shell to inhabit. Hermit crabs are found in the wild, but can also be kept as pets. Owners pick up the back of the shell to avoid being nipped, and then the crab can crawl across the hand or arm.

Identification
- There are two species of hermit crab; Paguridae and Coenobitidae, plus several subspecies totalling more than 500 around the world. The crab lives in a shell, so this is its the most distinctive characteristic. The shell can be any shape or type, but the crab chooses the shell according to its size, as it carries the shell on its back somewhat like a snail. As it grows, it leaves the small shell to find a larger one. The crab exposes front walking legs, antennae, eye stalks and two claws. Crab colors range from red, brown or purple, with stripes, dots or other patterns.
Behavior
- A hermit crab pulls its shell across the ocean floor, scavenging for plant or animal material to eat. Some hermit crabs develop strong relationships with anemone who live on the shell. The anemone camouflage the shell, and provides defense for the crab with its stinging tentacles. It looks like an unusual plant. In return, the anemone receives the crab's leftover food. Often, when the crab moves shells the anemone goes with it.
Keeping Hermit Crabs as a Pet
- A hermit crab can be kept as a pet. It requires little attention and can become tamed if handled regularly. However, it is important to provide the right environment for the crab. The crab needs a large, heated fish tank, covered in at least an inch of gravel or sand, so that it can bury itself. The environment needs to be humid, and around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Whole shells of varying design and size, water and food dishes should be placed in the tank. It can be fed moistened dog food, fresh or dried fruits and vegetation.
Natural Environment
- Hermit crabs are found across the world, except for the Arctic and Antarctica where it is too cold. They crawl along the ocean floor, preferring a muddy or sandy bottom, while searching for food. Some species inhabit plant stems, and there are limited numbers that live on land. Female crabs that live on land, however, return to the sea to breed. Hermit crabs are most active at night, while they tend to hide among rocks or bury themselves during the day.

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