Did you know hermit crabs aren't really crabs? That and 7 more fun facts about hermit crabs.

1. 8 Things You Didn’t Know
About Hermit Crabs

2. Hermit crabs are popular pets for ocean lovers and families with other pet
allergies. But before you commit to a tank full of these little critters, you should
know a few things about what they are, where they come from, how to take
care of them, and what kind of hermit crab food they need.
Learning about hermit crabs

3. The little decapod crustaceans we know as
hermit crabs are not true crabs. Even
though they have ten legs like other crabs,
they do not grow the typically hard shell on
their back to protect them from predators.
Instead, hermit crabs rely on the shells of
other animals to keep them safe.
1. They aren’t crabs

4. Hermit crabs must molt to grow, which means it sheds a layer of skin to make
way for a bigger body. Most healthy hermit crabs molt about once every 18
months, though the speed of growth for different sized hermit crabs and the
right conditions can cause more or less frequent molting.
Hermit crabs can regenerate limbs and claws during a molting phase.
2. They molt

5. Hermit crabs are nocturnal creatures, staying more active at night than during
the day. Hermit crabs also love to climb, hide, scuttle, and burrow.
Learn how to care for your hermit crab from the experts at Pisces Pros.
3. They’re nocturnal.

6. Hermit crabs are called crabs because they move from shell to shell as they
grow, never staying in one size for very long. They carry their mobile homes on
their backs, allowing them to remain safe wherever they go. The ideal shell is
big enough for a hermit crab to pull all of their appendages inside and light
enough to carry around without tiring quickly.
You can set up your own crabitat (a habitat for hermit crabs) at home. Find out
how at www.piscespros.com.
4. They carry their own homes.

7. Hermit crabs prefer to live in groups rather than alone, despite the moniker “hermit.” When kept in
captivity, most hermit crabs are happier when there are more than one in a cage. In fact, many hermit
crab experts suggest having at least three in a group for proper social interaction; otherwise the health
of the crab deteriorates. Hermit crabs are prevalent in tropical areas in and around the ocean. They
can live in saltwater or freshwater, particularly enjoying brackish water where there are abundant food
sources, plenty of abandoned shells, and many places to hide.
5. They’re social beings

8. And scavengers. Hermit crab foods range widely and food for hermit crabs can
be plant or animal-based. In the wild, a hermit crab food list might include
seaweed, driftwood, snails, or dead fish and other animals. Find out what to
feed your hermit crab here.
6. They’re omnivores

9. Did you know there are 1170 varieties of hermit crab? And each hermit crab is slightly different
with the opportunity to be left or right claw dominant just like humans are right or left handed.
They can also have a wide range of eye colors.
7. They come in
thousands of varieties

10. Some hermit crabs have been known to live as long as 32 years in
captivity, though most only live between 5 and 15 years. Older hermit
crabs can get to the size of a softball. Certain hermit crab food is designed
to provide essential nutrients which promote growth, appetite, coloration,
and health.
8. They might live longer than
your cat.

11. Feed your hermit crab the best.
Contact Pisces Pros today for
the highest quality hermit crab
foods on the market at the most
affordable prices possible. Email
at info@piscespros.com, or call
385-244-2221.