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 Hermit Crabs
(Coenobita clypeatus)
General Information
Despite their misleading name, hermit crabs
are very peaceful, curious, sociable
creatures. Hermit crabs live in large
colonies throughout the Caribbean Islands
and in southern Florida. They have ten legs,
though only a few are normally visible.
Hermit crabs only leave their shells to move
into a larger or better fitting shell.
The hermit crab’s front left leg has a large
purplish pincer, which it uses for climbing
and defense. This pincer also blocks the
entrance to its shell when it’s frightened.
Its smaller right front claw is generally
orange or brownish, and is used for eating
and climbing.
Hermit crabs are most active at night. Don’t
be disappointed if your new pet doesn’t
explore or eat a lot during the day. As it
becomes more comfortable with its new home,
and with you, it will become more active for
longer periods of time.
The Tank
Hermit crabs will live happily in either
glass or plastic tanks. Most breeders
recommend using special calcium-enhanced
sand, which comes in a variety of colors, in
the bottom of your tank. This sand should be
cleaned regularly, and replaced every month.
Aquarium gravel is an inexpensive
alternative, and can be washed and reused
indefinitely.
Hermit crabs are very curious, and love to
explore. Be sure to place some rocks,
sticks, or shells in your tank. Your new pet
will have fun exploring everything, and
you’ll have fun watching it.
Remember to keep your tank’s lid securely
fastened! Hermit crabs love to climb, and
can easily escape an open enclosure. If your
hermit crab does escape, search first in
dark, cool corners and crevices, and also in
high areas like curtains.
Food and Water
Hermit crabs will eat almost anything. In
the wild, they scavenge food on the
seashore, and will eat everything from dead
fish to coconut scraps. Commercially
prepared food can be purchased at most pet
stores, and will keep your hermit crab
strong and healthy. But like all creatures,
hermit crabs love variety. Give your hermit
crab small bits of bread, crackers, lettuce,
peanut butter, apples and other fruits,
coconut, grapes, oatmeal, cornmeal, dry dog
food, and dry scraps of fish or chicken as
treats. (Remember to remove any uneaten
scraps before they spoil.) You can also
teach your hermit crab to eat from your
hand.
Hermit crabs live near water, and need a
steady fresh supply of water. But they
cannot swim well. Never put a deep water
bowl in your hermit crab’s tank. If it
cannot climb back out, it will drown. If you
use a sponge instead of a water bowl, keep
the sponge moist. Your hermit crab will
climb on it, and drink directly from the
sponge.
The Shell
Never try to pull a hermit crab from its
shell. It will not leave until it is ready,
and you will tear it into pieces if you pull
hard. Always keep a few extra (larger)
shells in your tank. When your hermit crab
outgrows its existing shell, it will move
into the new shell it likes best. It doesn’t
matter whether the new shell is painted,
decorated with gems, or left plain. Your
hermit crab will only care about whether its
shell fits properly. |
