Are Hermit Crabs Crustaceans: Helpful Facts for Enthusiasts

Most people would say yes, but the answer to this question is a bit more complicated. For example, hermit crabs are a type of crustacean, animals with hard shells. While they may look like crabs, hermit crabs are more closely related to lobster and crab spiders. 

Hermit crabs are the only crustaceans that can change their coloring to match their surroundings. They’re known for being curious creatures that love interacting with humans, so be sure to give them a chance!

Hermit Crab’s Scientific Classification

Hermit crabs may not be the first crustaceans that come to mind, but they deserve a spot on the list. These fascinating creatures’ scientific classification is crustaceans. 

They belong to the same taxonomic group as shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. 

They are terrestrial (live on land) but can swim easily if needed. Their shells are mobile, and they use them to protect themselves from predators. They have a hard exterior but a soft interior, making them quite the formidable opponent. 

In some cases, hermit crabs can grow up to four inches in length, making them one of the more giant crustaceans. However, whether they are crustaceans or mollusks remains unresolved – hermit crabs fall between the two groups. So, for now, they are crustaceans – but that doesn’t mean they can’t teach us some amazing things about the crustacean world!

Hermit Crab’s Physical Appearance and Behavior

Hermit crabs are crustaceans, which means they have the typical crustacean physical characteristics – namely, an additional pair of legs and the ability to move around more easily in their shell. These crabs also have a more comprehensive range of coloration than other crustaceans, making them visually striking creatures to observe wild or in captivity. They also have a hard shell and four pairs of legs. 

Furthermore, they have an external skeleton and two pairs of antennae. They have an external skeleton because their natural environment is harsh – made up mainly of coral reefs. The chelicerae (jaws) are located on the first pair of abdominal segments, which means they can crush hard food items like other crustaceans or mollusks.

They live primarily in the ocean but can also be found living on the land in some cases. The most important thing to look for when you’re looking to buy a hermit crab is its health and behavior. Make sure to get one that is active and healthy – it should be moving around occasionally and eating things. If you’re unsure if the hermit crab you’re looking at is healthy, look for crabs free from parasites or illness.

Hermit Crab’s Size

Although they don’t typically exceed the size of an inch, hermit crabs can grow up to four inches long from the carapace (the shell-like covering) down to their abdomen.

How Hermit Crabs Breathe

Hermit crabs are an interesting species because they have an unusual way of breathing. They also have two lungs which they can leave open to the air while they are underwater. When it’s time for them to come up for air, they close their lungs and suck water in through their gills.

Hermit Crab Habitat

Hermit crabs typically live on coral reefs or rocky shorelines. They need a safe place to hide where they choose their homes during the day. Hermit crabs typically inhabit areas with a high water temperature, so keep your aquarium at the right temperature! Also, they live in tropical and subtropical waters. 

In captivity, they reside in habitats made of shells or other materials, and it’s essential to find the right one for your pet. The hermit crab habitat should be large enough for the crab to move around but not too big or confining. It’s also essential to provide a moist environment and clean water dishes so the crab can stay healthy!

Why Hermit Crabs Change Shells

Hermit crabs are not reptiles, they are crustaceans and, as such, are known for their shell-changing behavior. So what’s the big deal? Well, for one, the new shell often has sharper edges that can help the crab evade danger. Furthermore, hermit crabs use different types of shells to socialize with others in their colony. Some hermit crabs even use different types of shells to indicate their rank within the colony. This is an expected behavior among crustaceans – it adapts to their environment.

Hermit Crabs as Pets

Hermit crabs make good pets because they’re low-maintenance and easy to care for. Hermit crabs may not be the most popular pet choice, but they have fans! They come in various colors and can be kept in an aquarium or on the windowsill. 

Be sure to provide your pet with enough water, food, and space – hermit crabs need lots of room! They may not make great house pets due to their climbing tendencies, but they are perfect for people looking for a low-maintenance pet. 

What Does a Hermit Crab Do All Day?

These crustaceans spend their day roaming around the tank, looking for food. They’re very active and need a lot of room, so they’re not suitable for tanks smaller than 10 gallons. Hermit crabs are omnivorous and eat small creatures such as shrimp and plankton. They make great pets for those who like to scavenge, as they’re known to be good at finding food in less-than-ideal conditions.

Hermit Crab’s Diet

Their diet consists mainly of leftovers, meaning you can recycle food scraps for them. They eat a wide variety of things, including algae, small animals, jellyfish larvae, and even other hermit crabs. 

Hermit Crab Life Cycle

Hermit crabs go through a hermit phase, a crab life cycle, and the juvenile crab cycle. With the right conditions, hermits can live up to 20 years in captivity. 

They go through a hermit phase, different from the crab life cycle other crabs go through. During their hermit phase, hermits live in protected areas and don’t molt (shed their skin). After molting, hermits return to the protection of their community and start over as juveniles. 

Helping Conserve Hermit Crabs 

Here are four ways you can help protect hermit crabs and their habitats:

• Donating to conservation organizations.

• Boycotting products made with crab meat.

• Discouraging the sale of live hermit crabs.

• Cleaning up an existing home or aquarium so it’s not attractive to hermit crabs.

The more you know about hermit crabs, the better equipped you are to help conserve this species for the future.