What are Hermit Crabs?

Hermit crabs are crustaceans. This means they’re actually related to a lot of the shellfish we eat, like lobsters and shrimp. They’re also related to some creatures we wouldn’t dream of eating, like Pill Bugs and Sand Fleas.

Where do they come from?

Most of the Hermit Crabs sold in petshops and fairs throughout the U.S. come from Florida or various islands in the Caribbean where they can often be found in large groups roaming the beaches for food. Since they are nocturnal, meaning that they are mostly active in the evening, tourists and visitors rarely get a chance to see this unusual sight.

Why are they called "Hermit Crabs"?

Well, they are crabs and like any other type of crab, the Hermit Crab’s front pair of legs end in pincers or chelipeds. The pincers themselves differ from each other in that the right pincer is smaller and is used primarily for eating. The left pincer can be much larger and more powerful-looking, and is used mainly for defense. A Hermit Crab will use both pincers for climbing and, as clumsy as they may seem, Hermit Crabs are actually quite good climbers. Their ability to clamber up and around almost any obstacle is something to seriously consider when planning and decorating their enclosure. A sturdy, snug-fitting cover is a must! Hermit Crabs don’t have shells of their own and live in previously empty snail shells or shells that have been discarded by other creatures or Hermit Crabs, hence the name "Hermit". They spend much of their time searching for new shells to call home and can often be seen trying on several shells before settling on a new one to wear. As the Hermit Crab grows, it sheds its outside or exoskeleton, and after a period of rest during which it feels especially vulnerable, it wanders off in search of another shell that fits. Hermit Crabs shouldn’t be handled soon after they shed, and should be given plenty of privacy until their new exoskeleton hardens and they start looking for a new shell. Speaking of handling, except during the period just mentioned above, Hermit Crabs can be handled and even frequently handled as long as care is taken that they are not dropped. Also, you should never try to pull Hermit Crabs from their shells. They will actually allow themselves to be torn apart rather than be forced out of their home!

Food

Hermit Crabs have a pretty varied diet, meaning that they’re omnivorous. They’ll eat vegetable matter like lettuce and spinach, or meat like tiny bits of hamburger or processed dog food. Since this stuff goes bad pretty quickly and should be removed as soon as possible, I recommend serving these items only as an infrequent treat. Most petshops sell commercially prepared Hermit Crab food that your pet(s) will enjoy and that is better for them. A shallow bowl of fresh water should always be kept within easy reach. Even though these are land crabs, they will sometimes soak in the water or drag themselves and/or food through it. This makes housekeeping, as far as the removal and replacement of food that’s going bad or dirty water, a necessity.

Container

The container you choose for your Hermit Crab(s) depends on your budget, available space, and your decorating needs. A couple of small Hermit Crabs will do well in a typical 5-gallon fish tank, while larger crabs will only be comfortable in containers of 10-gallon size or more. You may have noticed that I have referred to the Hermit Crab’s containers in sizes respective of being fish tanks. This is only because I have found that the fish tanks that can be easily found and purchased at your local petshop very often make the very best containers, especially since you can usually buy a cover that’s made specifically for particular-sized aquariums. This helps to make everything a lot easier. Once you get the container home, make sure to wash the container thoroughly with a weak vinegar/water solution. Do not use any harsh detergents as this may prove harmful to the creature(s) you will later introduce into this container.

Landscaping

Hermit Crabs do best in an enclosure that allows them to take advantage of the vertical space as well as the horizontal. It’s a good idea when deciding on a container, where it'll go in your home, and how you're going to decorate it for your pet(s) that you consider this as well. I suggest a few well-placed artificial plants, rocks, and/or pieces of driftwood to give your crabs something to scramble over. Colorful or natural-looking gravel or aggregate will serve as an attractive and easily maintainable substrate (ground layer). All of these things are available in petshops that sell tropical fish. If you want an even more natural setting with live plants, soil, etc., and you don’t mind the extra work involved, you can try your hand at a vivarium set-up.

Environment

Hermit Crabs come from the sub-tropical parts of the world, and so must be kept reasonably warm. A temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Avoid quick changes in temperature, drafts, or extremes of either heat or cold. They also prefer humid conditions to dry air, so their containers should be lightly misted everyday; preferably in the morning. Don’t keep them constantly wet or in a container where they can’t get out of the water. Remember, they’re land crabs. In fact they often go by the names Land Hermit Crab or Tree Hermit Crab.

Summary

Hermit Crabs make interesting, fun, and virtually carefree pets. Although they’re usually very quiet, they sometimes make a soft chirping sound. They’re not aggressive, and if properly cared for, live long and contented lives.