Hermit Crab Shells
Hermit crabs are beautiful creatures to have as a pet. Their interesting characteristics make them an adorable pet to have. Hermit crabs don’t require much maintenance which pet owners love; they are not finicky regarding their feed. The most fascinating feature hermit crab has is the acquiring of shell from a death sea snail and living in them. They employ shells as a defensive armor for their soft body parts.
Hermit crabs are very interesting creature to handle. The personality varies form one hermit crab to another as some loves to be vibrant and explore while others prefers to stay in their shell more often. The preference of shells varies plenty amongst the different species of the hermit crabs. Some hermit crabs prefers to change their shell more often like fashion conscious do with changing dress, while others adjust with their old shell and only changes when it is uncomfortable for them to live in. Generally, hermit crab changes its shell when it becomes too small for their living.
Hermit crabs go through the process of molting which is shredding of their exoskeleton. Molting is the process in which they reproduce their body parts and cure those parts which are damaged or broken as well. During the process of molting, hermit crabs don’t changes their shell even after the process has ended too. When taking hermit crab as a pet, it is necessary for the owner to ensure that they have provided a big quantity of hermit crab shells in various sizes as well in the aquarium so that hermit crabs can select to their liking. Hermit crab shells are often the reason behind the conflict between two hermit crabs as both want to live in one shell. The owner of the pet should make sure that there are plenty of hermit crab shells available in the aquarium so that no clash happens.
Hermit crab shells are easily accessible in the market. Pet stores have abundant variety of shells to choose from. The only problem arises is selecting the correct ones. Hermit crabs owners should realize that they can’t force their pet to live in their chosen shell. They should provide several hermit crab shells varying in all sizes so that hermit crab can choose their preferred shell. They should have the freedom of discarding their old shell and get a new one whenever they want.
With the time of growth, hermit crab changes their shells. The size of opening shell is extremely important for the hermit crabs as they should get fit in appropriately. The simple way in which owner can make things suitable is to provide different sized shells in the surrounding so that hermit crabs can make their own choice. Snail shells are the most preferred hermit crab shells. They come in different sizes as well as in different shapes too like oval, mere slit, D-shaped or round shaped. Making own preference is the best possible option you can give to your hermit crab.
Also, make sure you supply same type of shell to your hermit crab which is currently being used by them. May be, hermit crab shells will stick to their old preferred pattern in the future. You can also choose shell based on aesthetic preferences as you may want your hermit crab aquarium colorful and pretty. When purchasing new hermit crab shells, never compromise on their quality as it can backfire on you later on. Don’t select those shells which have holes or cracks on them as it will make your hermit crab lose moisture.
Hermit crab shells are available on pet stores as well as on internet. When you purchase new shells, make sure you boil them around five minutes before placing them into the aquarium. Try not to get painted hermit crab shells as they can be harmful for your pet. Sea snail shell is the most liked shell amongst hermit crabs.
Some other content you might like to look at:
- Pet Land Hermit Crabs
- Beginner Hermit Crab Care
- The Cause Why Hermit Crab Shells are Turning White
- My Hermit Crabs are Locked Together over a Shell Fight
- Signs and Symptoms When Your Hermit Crab Molts


