Hermit Crab Facts and Trivia You Need to Know to Keep Healthy Hermit Crabs

A Hermit crab as a pet is becoming more andis the reason why you also have to put twigs and
more popular because of its uniqueness andbranches and sea sand in order for the hermit
playful characters. They are also small and verycrabs to do what they like to do best - burrowing.
easy to take care of. All their necessities are not- Despite their habits of hiding under different
so expensive compared to other traditional pets.objects or into their shell, which got them their
To learn more about these lovely animals, herename, they are actually love people and attention.
are some more hermit crab facts and trivia thatThey are playful and will get bored if they are
you will find interesting and will make you want toneglected.
get one yourself.- You might be wondering why they look like
- Most of this fascinating creatures live for half aspiders or lobsters. The reason for this is because
month to one year, while there are few who canthey are cousins. Hermit crabs, like spiders and
reach up to 15 years!lobsters, are called arthropods, meaning their legs
- Just like humans, these animals are omnivores.have sections. Arthropods are usually small
They are also scavengers. They will eat anythingcompared to other animals but they are the
you give them. They love fruits, vegetables,largest group in the animal kingdom. Insects also
steak, cheese, popcorn, meatballs, fish head,belong here.
scrambled eggs, and a lot more. They have- You should not put a hermit crab underwater
different tastes and preferences when it comesfor a long time. They might not be able to
to food.breathe underwater for a long period of time.
- If you found a purple-clawed hermit crab, thatThey will eventually die.
crab is very strong and can even break a pencil in- It is very difficult to identify a gender of these
two. It is also bigger than most hermit crabs,animals. So your best bet is to take care of as
weighing up to a quarter of a pound.many hermit crabs as you can.
- Crabs have about 6000 species. And hermit- A Hermit crab use the shells of other animals to
crabs have about 800 species. This gives youprotect themselves. If the shell becomes too
endless options on what to choose as your pet.small, the crab will move to another more
- Although these creatures have 5 pairs of legs,spacious new shell. Like turtles, the shell also acts
they only use the second and third pair foras their home.
locomotion or walking.- Though it is called a crab, these creatures does
- They love to hide under debris. Those animalsnot belong in the group of true crabs.
that are yet to be found, it means they are still- Like all arthropods, they have an outer covering
untamed and still prowling the wilds, they love toto protect their soft bodies which are called
relax under roots of trees, leaves, branches, andexoskeletons.
rocks. They also make burrows to hide into. This