Deep-Sea Hermit Crab Facts

Hermit crabs prefer to live in locations like tidal pools or coral reefs.

Hermit crabs are crustaceans found in many places, including the deep sea. The hermit crab doesn't have its own shell, so it "borrows" empty gastropod shells, changing shells as the hermit crab grows larger. The shell protects the hermit crab's vulnerable abdomen, according to Sea World.

Selection

According to Sea World, hermit crabs inspect a potential shell for any damage and slip inside to try it on. If it isn't a good fit, the hermit crab returns to its old shell and keeps looking.

Fun Fact

Hermit crabs will steal the shells of another hermit crab if the original occupant leaves the shell, even for a few minutes.

Symbiosis

Sea anemones often attach themselves to hermit crabs' shells, but the hermit crab is a willing participant, according to Nature.com. The hermit crab likely provides transportation for the anemone, while the anemone offers the hermit crab some protection from predators with its painful sting.

Types

In addition to shells, hermit crabs use other objects for shelter, including coral, stones and even old soda cans.

Misconceptions

According to Hermit-crabs.com, many people think hermit crabs bite, but they have no teeth, just fuzzy mouthparts.

References

• Sea World: Hermit Crabs
• Nature.com: The Sea Anemone (Calliactis parasitica) and the Hermit Crab (Eupagurus bernhardus)
• Hermit-Crabs.com: Myths