What Does a Hermit Crab Need to Live? The Complete Care Guide

Hermit crabs make unique and interesting pets but caring for them takes some special considerations. In the wild hermit crabs live in tropical climates along the ocean shore. To keep them happy and healthy in captivity, it’s important to recreate some of these natural conditions. With the right habitat setup, diet, water, shells, and more, hermit crabs can live over 10 years in captivity.

Habitat

Hermit crabs are used to warm, humid environments. Their enclosure should mimic this tropical climate.

Tank

• A minimum 10 gallon aquarium is recommended for small crabs, with larger tanks needed as they grow Fully grown crabs need a minimum 75 gallon tank

• Glass aquariums or plastic storage bins work well. Tanks should be escape proof with a secured lid.

• Allow at least 5 gallons of space per medium sized crab. More space is better as crabs grow.

• Add plenty of hidings spots, climbing toys, and shell piles for enrichment.

Temperature

• Ideal temperature is 75-85°F. Temperatures below 70°F can cause dormancy.

• Use an under tank heater on the side/back of the tank or a heat lamp above to maintain warmth.

• Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Humidity

• Humidity should be kept between 70-85%. Below 65% for too long can harm crabs.

• Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.

• Increase humidity by misting the tank, using a shallow water pool, and pouring water into the substrate.

• Sealing the tank, covering vents, and using moist substrate helps hold in moisture.

Substrate

• Use a mix of children’s playsand and coconut fiber. Aim for 5 parts sand to 1 part fiber.

• Substrate should be at least 3 times deeper than the largest crab.

• Keep the substrate slightly moist but not soaked.

• Change substrate if it becomes overly saturated. Spot clean waste.

Diet

Hermit crabs are scavengers. Offer a varied diet:

• Protein sources: Unsalted cooked meat, boiled egg, live insects

• Fruits: Strawberries, mango, melon, banana, apple

• Vegetables: Carrot, sweet potato, bell pepper

• Unsalted nuts

• Clean food scraps without seasonings

• Calcium source like cuttlebone or eggshell

• Change out fresh food daily. Remove uneaten fruits/veggies after 24 hours.

Water

• Use dechlorinated fresh water and salt water prepared with marine salt mix.

• Provide both fresh and salt water in deep, accessible dishes.

• Crabs drink and bathe in their water. Change water at least every other day.

Shells

• Supply 3-5 natural, untreated shells per crab in a variety of sizes.

• Look for shells with openings slightly larger than the crab’s claw size.

• Check that crabs can easily access new shells to change into as they grow.

Handling

• Let new crabs adjust to their habitat for at least a week before handling.

• Scoop up crabs gently by cradling under their bodies, not by their claws.

• Limit handling to 30 minutes max per day.

• Never try to pull crabs from shells or force them to change shells.

Molting

• Hermit crabs molt their exoskeleton to grow larger. This process takes several weeks.

• Crabs bury underground and seal off their shell to safely molt.

• Never dig up or disturb molting crabs. Provide deep enough substrate for burrowing.

• After molting, crabs are very vulnerable until their new shell hardens. Leave them alone.

General Tips

• Buy 2+ crabs, as they are social animals.

• Research proper care for your specific crab species. Some have slightly different requirements.

• Perform partial water changes and spot clean waste every 1-2 weeks.

• Look for signs of stress like lack of appetite, decreased activity, hiding a lot.

• Quarantine and observe new crabs in a separate tank for at least 30 days before introducing.

With the proper habitat setup, hermit crabs can thrive as low-maintenance but high-reward pets. Their unique behaviors and long lifespans make them interesting animals to keep. Do research before bringing home new crabs to ensure you can care for their needs. With a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with happy, healthy hermit crabs.