Hermit Crab Care Sheet
Invertebrate (Crustacean)
2 - 6 inches long
10+ years
Insectivore
Diet & Nutrition
Hermit Crabs are scavengers. Prepared crab foods can be used along with other items such as raw coconut, seeds, peanut butter, small pieces of fruit, greens, freeze dried crickets, mealworms and shrimp. A source of calcium such as a cuttlebone is recommended.
Hermit Crabs are scavengers and prefer having food available at all times.
Housing & Habitat
Hermit Crabs are native to the Caribbean. Hermit Crabs do like to climb.
Provide pieces of cork bark of varying sizes and heights to allow them to move around the enclosure. Hermit Crabs primarily hunt and forage at night and are buried/hiding during the day. Provide multiple empty shells to allow the crabs to switch "homes."
Enclosure Size
Hermit Crabs should be kept in no less than a 10-gallon enclosure for 2
Hermit crabs. Hermit Crabs are found in groups in the wild and do best when kept with others of the same species which would require a larger enclosure.
Substrate
Hermit Crabs like a moist, deep, sand/soil substrate that will allow for them to burrow and properly molt.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Temperatures between 75-85°F are perfect for Hermit Crabs which can be achieved with a heat lamp or under tank heater. Consistent temperatures under 75°F or above 85°F can kill hermit crabs.
Lighting
Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires
UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.
Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
The humidity of the enclosure should also be kept relatively high with a minimum of 75% humidity.
Watering
Hermit Crabs require both fresh and saltwater pools that are easy to get in and out of. Hermit Crabs always need access to water to keep their gills moist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Hermit Crabs eat?
Hermit Crabs are scavengers. Prepared crab foods can be used along with other items such as raw coconut, seeds, peanut butter, small pieces of fruit, greens, freeze dried crickets, mealworms and shrimp. A source of calcium such as a cuttlebone is recommended. Hermit Crabs are scavengers and prefer having food available at all times.
What size enclosure does a Hermit Crab need?
Hermit Crabs are native to the Caribbean. Hermit Crabs do like to climb. Provide pieces of cork bark of varying sizes and heights to allow them to move around the enclosure. Hermit Crabs primarily hunt and forage at night and are buried/hiding during the day. Provide multiple empty shells to allow the crabs to switch "homes." Hermit Crabs should be kept in no less than a 10-gallon enclosure for 2 Hermit crabs. Hermit Crabs are found in groups in the wild and do best when kept with others of t...
What temperature and lighting does a Hermit Crab need?
Temperatures between 75-85°F are perfect for Hermit Crabs which can be achieved with a heat lamp or under tank heater. Consistent temperatures under 75°F or above 85°F can kill hermit crabs. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB. Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs. Humidity: The humidity of the enclosure should ...