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Hermit crab cages, tanks and habitats are an important part of your small pet’s health and wellness, and so are growth shells. As hermit crabs grow, they need bigger crab shells to change into. And it’s best to keep these extra shells in their habitat. The hermit crab shells you’re providing your pet with should be larger than their current shell.
Hermit crabs are nomads, crawling from shell to shell as they grow. While they may be happy in the same terrarium for years, your hermit crab will need a few different shells available for their use at all times. Certain species, like the Caribbean hermit crab, change shells quite often.
Learn more about hermit crab care and what types of shells your tiny pet needs with our Hermit Crab Care Sheet. You can also find hermit crab supplies, accessories and products from Petco to complete your habitat.
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I'm sorry to hear this. It is possible the he is just stressed but he may be ill. I suggest you review the husbandry and make sure that everything is 100% correct (diet, temperature, housing, etc). ( http://www.ccpetstore.com/editor_files/1501679966_Hermit%20Crabs.pdf ) You should start there and if no improvement you may need to try and find a vet in your area that will see hermit crabs.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Ideally for hermit crabs you would have both a dish of freshwater and a dish of saltwater. This is because both types of water have components that are important for the health of your hermit crab. In addition to both of these dishes, you also want to have a food dish present (so a total of three dishes in the cage). Overall, hermit crabs can live longer with access to only freshwater than they can if there is only saltwater available, but again it is much better for them to have both available. I hope that answers your question, and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Hermit crabs should have a bowl of fresh water and a bowl of salt water available at all times. "Softened" water is not recommended due to the higher mineral and salt content. The easiest solution is to use bottled water for the fresh water bowl and distilled water with plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) for the salt water bowl.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
It could be molting. If so, leave him alone as it is a stressful time for him. Leave the other shell in the enclosure, just in case. If it isn't buried, move him to a different area of the tank and monitor for movement. If there is no movement, monitor for a fishy, rotten odor. This is the surest way to determine if the crab has died.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Hermit crabs will usually bury themselves in the sand when they are molting, but some may stay on the surface. He shouldn't smell like fish, so it is possible he passed. Gently lift him up, or scoop away a bit of sand if he is buried, and observe him for any movement. You should see some movement. If the odor intensifies over the next day or so and he doesn't move, he likely passed.
Updated on August 12th, 2025