Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are small, interesting pets that are fun to watch. Unlike most crabs, hermit crabs do not grow their own shells. They find empty shells from other animals and move in. As they grow, they switch to bigger shells.

Shell Swapping

Hermit crabs need to find new shells as they grow bigger. Sometimes a group of hermit crabs will line up by size and swap shells all at once. The biggest crab takes a new shell, and each smaller crab moves into the next one. This is called a vacancy chain.

Hermit Crab Care

Pet hermit crabs need a warm, humid tank with sand to dig in. They are social animals and do best in pairs or small groups. Hermit crabs eat fruits, vegetables, and even popcorn. They need extra shells in their tank so they can switch homes whenever they want.

Fun Facts

• Hermit crabs can live for over 30 years with proper care.
• They are not true crabs. They are more closely related to lobsters.
• Hermit crabs like to climb and can escape from tanks that do not have lids.

Did You Know?

Hermit crabs make chirping sounds by rubbing their bodies against their shells. Scientists think they do this to tell other crabs to back off!