Overview

Hermit crabs are crustaceans belonging to the order Decapoda, the same group that includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Unlike true crabs, hermit crabs are born with a soft, vulnerable abdomen. To survive, they rely on empty shells-usually from sea snails-to protect their exposed bodies. This reliance on borrowed shells is not a quirky habit; it is a matter of life and death. Without a shell, a hermit crab is defenseless against predators, dehydration, and physical injury. Throughout their lives, hermit crabs must continuously seek out and change into larger shells as they grow, a process driven by instinct and survival. Hermit crabs are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Some species live entirely on land as adults, while others remain marine throughout their lives. Despite their name, hermit crabs are not solitary animals. In the wild, many species live in large colonies, communicating through chemical signals and engaging in complex social interactions. Another defining trait of hermit crabs is their longevity. With proper care, land hermit crabs can live 20 to 40 years, and some documented cases suggest even longer lifespans. This fact alone challenges the idea that hermit crabs are disposable or short-term pets.

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