Hermit Crabs as Pets

April 15, 2015

Hermit Crabs as Pets

The good, the bad and the…. totally ugly!? Some would certainly say that the hermit crab is one ugly son of a gun, but actually many people find them kind of cute and actually have them as pets.  In reality, hermit crabs actually make great starter pets for kids or anyone who wants to add a critter to their life, but perhaps don’t have time for something that is a little more maintenance like a dog or rodent.

So, it turns out the little crabby fellow known by the name “hermit crab” formally likes to be called “decapod crustacean” and is one amongst 1,100 other species of the decapod crustacean.  Yup, you read that correctly, our friend the decapod is only one amongst 1,100 others and only 15 of those other species are found in household aquariums. 

The decapod’s primary area of dwelling, that is, the place in which the little guy comes from originally and calls its homeland is pretty much anywhere salty and watery; meaning the hermit crab lives in salt water and tropical waters.

What’s Up With the Shell?

It’s true what you’ve heard, hermit crabs essentially live in shells that are like mini mobile homes.  Hermit crab shells aren’t attached to their body and as they grow larger they actually have to scout around for a new shell of an appropriate size.  As if hunting for just the right shell wasn’t already difficult, they have to also compete with other hermit crabs for this supply and actually have to fight for the shell sometimes! 

Careing for a Hermit

As we noted in a previous post, hermit crabs can live multiple decades, so if you’re planning on getting one as a pet, you better be certain you’re in for the long hal! Having hermit crabs as pets is definitely a wise decision if you’re a first time pet owner or simply don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t special care that a hermit crab needs in order to live a healthy happy life.  Pet stores often won’t tell you all of the proper care and more than often hermit crabs in captivity don’t make it past one year, so listen up!

1. You need a humidity gauge, these little fellows are used to tropical conditions and high humidity is needed.

2. A large enough tank for the crab to move around and explore.  Those small little tanks aren’t a good option as they make the crabs environment too compressed; it would be like trapping you in one small room for your whole life, so be generous on size!

3. A temperature gauge is wise as well to better control the temperature of the tank.

4. Don’t use tap water.  Any water used for your hermit crab must be dechlorinated.

5.  These crabs can be quite picky about their next home, so make sure there’s a nice selection of shells for your little friend to choose from when it needs to move homes.

We happen to think the decapod crustacean is one super cute little hermit.  Even though hermits like to keep to themselves, we're pretty sure this little crab appreciates the love and care its pet owner will give it, and maybe that will be you!

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Author: Aileen Schultz

Photo Credit: costaud, adjectif m. via photopin (license)