The most prevailing elements of hermit crabs are most definitely the hermit crab shells. Land hermit crabs are known distinctly by the seashell they carry on their backs. This fascination has to do with the fact that hermit crabs carry a portable home around with them, into which they can crawl in case of an emergency. The seashell hermit crabs wear in the wild are cast off snail shells that they have found. Why do hermit crabs wear seashells? The first reason would obviously be that the seashells are the most available thing to the hermit crab in the wild. If the seashells were not available, the hermit crab would find something else to curl into. There have been documented cases of hermit crabs curling into old drink bottles and other trash. Luckily, most of the time, seashells are available to the crab in the wild; it is a very sad thing to see a hermit crab take up residence in debris.

Another reason that hermit crabs need seashells is that the seashell offers both portability and safety from predators. It is basically a house for a hermit crab. The ideal hermit crab shell will have no imperfections or holes, fits the crab securely, but also permit the crab to withdraw into the shells totally if needed. The shell is also a very important aspect of the hermit crab’s life in the wild because when they first emerge from the ocean as young crabs, the shape of the first shell they decide to call home will influence the way their abdomens grow. For example, if the shell the young hermit crab first finds is narrow and straight, the rear of the crab will develop to match the shell’s shape. Most of the time, hermit crabs find small spiral-looking shells, therefore their abdomens curl traditionally to the right. The crabs abdomen is protected by the shell because it holds their vital organs as well as reproductive organs.

Another reason hermit crab shells are important is that they minimize the loss of water from the crab’s body. In the wild and captivity, hermit crab care involves moisture. Moisture is critical to the survival of a hermit crab. Everything about the life circle of the hermit crab is largely influenced by moisture. Part of the reason the crab is nocturnal is to stay away from the heat of the day, so that the moisture in its body will not evaporate. If the crab were to walk around without a shell, its body would be exposed to the harsh and damaging rays of the sun, which would rob the crab’s body of the essential moisture. The crab would not survive for any substantial amount of time if this were to happen. When rain falls, the crabs become active so they can soak in the moisture. With all of the above information, it is clear to see the importance of a shell to the hermit crab. If the hermit crab needs water and moisture in the wild, as a part of pet hermit crab care they will also need it in captivity.

One question you might have is how to know what size shell you need to pick out for your hermit crab, and how you will know it fits correctly. First of all, when picking out a hermit crab shell, it is important to remember that the shell is primarily for shelter, so the crab needs to be able to withdraw into the shell completely. The way a hermit crab protects itself is to close the “door” to its shell. This occurs by the crab using its large pincher to seal the opening. Each crab, like each human, is an individual, and some crabs will like a looser fit, and some will like a snugger fit. A way to make sure your hermit crab can have his or her preference is to make sure you get a large selection for him or her to choose from. As long as the crab can maneuver, whatever shell he or she chooses is adequate for him or her. Remember, if the crab is uncomfortable, it will always choose another, better fitting shell as long as they are available.

If you are looking to measure your hermit crab to make sure there will be a proper fit, take your crabby on a field trip to the pet store or a shell supply store, which is sometimes available. Compare the crab’s large claw with the openings of the potential shell and the opening should be that big plus 1/8” all around the opening. In other words, the opening should be slightly larger than the crab’s claw.

Another question you may have is what type of shell is best for your hermit crab. The best hermit crab shell, as was stated before, is the shell that your crabbie picks out for itself, whether you like the design or not. Your crab will pick what is best for him or her and a true hermit crab lover will want what is best for him or her. If the interior of the shell you want him or her to move into is dirty, they will not want it. All shells should be cleaned by boiling them for about 5 minutes on the stove. This will kill any unwanted bacteria that are in the shell. Also, for the most part, crabs are drawn to shells with round openings. They are also drawn to shells lined with mother-of-pearl. It is suspected that they like these types of shells because they are excellent insulation and it is smooth and comfortable. Whatever types of shells you decide to provide your crab with, make sure you provide a variety to allow him or her to choose whatever kind he or she wishes. The shell is part of the crab’s environment, and it is of utmost importance to let the choice of hermit crab shells be up to your hermit crab.