| Ever heard of Hermit Crabs? Hermit Crab are a type | | | | shell. The anemones get leftover food from the crab |
| of crustacean, and these may be either land or | | | | and a free ride at the same time. |
| water-dwelling. These crabs are somewhat different | | | | HOW TO TELL WHEN A HERMIT CRAB IS ABOUT |
| than true crabs; they have softer vulnerable abdomens | | | | TO MOLT? |
| and are in the habit of looking for abandoned shells to | | | | Some hermit crabs may not show any signs that |
| seek protection from possible enemies. Once it finds a | | | | sound the alert about them being ready to molt. Other |
| suitable shell, the hermit crab carries the shell | | | | crabs may act strange or look different; here below |
| everywhere till the time it finally outgrows that | | | | are some signs that can help you determine if a hermit |
| particular shell. After that, it would seek a larger shell. | | | | crab is ready to molt: |
| However the crab native to the South Pacific prefers | | | | " The crab may dig a lot |
| a burrow to a shell. | | | | " The crab may eat or drink more than usual |
| Along the Atlantic coast of the United States and in | | | | " The eyes of the hermit crab may get cloudy |
| the country of West Indies, giant and striped hermit | | | | If the hermit crab shows such signs, you need to place |
| crabs are quite common. In Florida and West Indies, | | | | it in a warm and humid tank. You can supply food and |
| these crabs are also sold as pets. In this article we try | | | | water dishes and it is a good idea to lightly spray it |
| and provide information about the hermit crab to better | | | | with mist, if the crab is molting above ground. After it |
| your understanding about it. | | | | has molted, you may let it consume the old |
| WHY DOES A HERMIT CRAB HUNT FOR AN | | | | exoskeleton for the essential nutrition it provides. |
| ABANDONED SHELL? | | | | DESCRIPTION OF THE SHELL |
| The hermit crab does not have a hard shell; therefore | | | | A hermit crab consists of two pairs of antennae and |
| it needs the protection of a discarded snail shell against | | | | round eyes on the ends of eyestalks. These crabs |
| enemies. Since the body of a hermit crab is flexible, it | | | | have ten legs but only 6 legs show. These 6 legs are |
| can easily fit into the interior of the shell. Once the | | | | known as walking legs while the rest i.e. back legs are |
| hermit crab outgrows the shell, it goes out looking for a | | | | folded inside the shell. |
| larger one. Hermit crabs also carry other organisms on | | | | The world's largest land crab must be the coconut |
| their shells for camouflage in order to protect | | | | crab. An adult coconut crab can weigh as much as 9 |
| themselves from predators. | | | | pounds. But it can get very difficult for this particular |
| HOW DO HERMIT CRABS SELECT SHELLS? | | | | species hermit crab to find a shell big enough to fit. |
| Hermit crabs are extremely picky and are always on | | | | In conclusion, in all their variety, Hermit crabs are |
| the look-out for the perfect shell. A certain kind of | | | | wonderful crustaceans that can make great pets. |
| hermit crab called the Dardanus; moves into a shell and | | | | Hopefully the details mentioned above helped improve |
| also decorates it by placing sea anemones on the | | | | your knowledge about these amazing creatures. |