Hermit crabs will almost always change color, at least a little, throughout the course of their lifetime. Hermit crab coloration is determined by species, nutrition, and genetics. The most dramatic and long lasting hermit crab color changes are caused by long term nutrition. For more information, see the section of crabzilla.net that talks about color enhancing foods.

Hermit crab may leave its shell for many reasons - the important thing is to get the animal back in it. First, you must boil the empty shell and rinse it with cool water. Then, fill the clean shell with cool water. Finally, dip the naked crab in water and gently push it into the shell, abdomen first. You can threaten it in further by tapping lightly on its head so it will quickly draw back into its shell. See similar questions...

The comfort zone for hermit crabs is 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit; that is when they are most active and healthy. If the temperature drops to between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, dormancy and hibernation will occur. A long hibernation may permanently affect the hermit crab. When you lower household temperatures with air-conditioning or energy-saving winter thermostat settings, heat the hermit crabs' habitat with a light or a special heater that warms the bottom medium.Back to Top See similar questions...

Despite their name, hermit crabs are actually very social, community oriented creatures and are rarely aggressive. It is perfectly all right to have various sizes of hermit crabs living together. The larger ones won't pick on the smaller ones. Any aggressiveness has to do with a fight over a favored shell rather than territory. Providing a large enough habitat with plenty of extra shells for playful switching and growing into should reduce fighting. See similar questions...

Although not usual, parasites can sometimes invade the hermit crab and its environment. If you notice parasites on the crab's body, follow these steps to eliminate them. First, break down the entire tank and discard the bottom medium. Thoroughly clean and rinse the tank itself. Boil all other objects in the habitat, including extra shells, food and water dishes, and climbing items like coral , rock and wood. Rinse the items and allow to air dry. See similar questions...

While a hermit crab can live alone, they do fare much better if they're kept at least in pairs. In the wild, hermit crabs gather in large numbers, and they do appear to engage in at leat some basic social activity when kept together in captivity. See similar questions...

Hermit crabs find food largely by smell, so they tend to find smelly foods faster than other foods. Since they smell with their antennas, you'll often see a hermit crab checking out food antennae first. Usually then they will use their larger claw to break off pieces or hold chunks of food and their smaller claw to bring pieces to their mouth parts. See similar questions...

A hermit is a person who lives apart from society. Traditionally, this has meant living alone and self-sufficiently, but not always. The word "hermit" is derived from the Greek eremia for "desert," in reference to the Desert Fathers of the fourth century; and eremos came to mean solitary. The Latin equivalent is solitarius. See similar questions...

Hermit crabs are nocturnal creatures and are more active at night than during the daytime. By adjusting the temperature in their cage between 75 and 85 degrees, or even bathing or misting them with water in order to create a more humid in their shell, it is likely to increase their activity during the daytime. Get your crab a few friends. Hermit Crabs are not solitary animals. It is suggested to have more than one, since these animals are very social. See similar questions...

The average life span of a hermit crab is five to fifteen years, but they have been known to live for more than 40 years. See similar questions...

crabstreetjournal.com has a section filled with recipes for staple foods as well as recipes for supplimental foods. You may have to register to access this feature. See similar questions...

Under most circumstances, I would recommend waiting. Eventually the hermit crab will move/let go. However, sometimes waiting is not an option - for instance if the something the hermit crab is holding onto happens to be a finger! In cases where you just can't wait for your hermit crab to let go of something of its own accord, the best way to try to get it to let go is to slowly pour some lukewarm water on the claw, making sure the crab is on a steady surface so it feels safe if possible. See similar questions...

A good rule of thumb is two crabs per one-gallon tank. The larger the habitat, the happier the residents.Back to Top See similar questions...

There are many different reasons why this may occur. 1) The shell may have become dirty, causing the crab to feel itchy and irritated. In this instance the crab will permanently abandon the shell. 2) There may be a crack or some loose debris inside of his shell, causing him to feel uncomfortable and leave the shell. 3) Your crab may be unable to hold the shell onto his abdomen due to dry body. See similar questions...

A one gallon cage is sufficient for up to two crabs. Remember these are living creatures and would like space to roam around in. You should also provide plenty of obstacles for them to play on, such as gravels or pieces of wood. See similar questions...