What Does a Saltwater Hermit Crab Eat? A Guide to Their Diverse Diet

With their small size and shielded bodies, saltwater hermit crabs may seem somewhat limited in their dietary habits. However these resilient crustaceans are actually opportunistic eaters that consume a diverse range of food sources. By understanding their wild feeding behaviors and nutritional needs you can ensure your pet hermit crab thrives.

In this article we’ll cover

• What saltwater hermit crabs eat in the wild
• The best diet for pet hermit crabs
• Foods to avoid giving your crab
• Tips for feeding your hermit crab

What Do Hermit Crabs Eat in the Wild?

Saltwater hermit crabs live in tropical and subtropical coastal waters around the world. As scavengers, they aren’t picky about what foods they consume and have adapted to eat what is available in their habitat.

Their diverse wild diet includes:

• Algae and phytoplankton – Hermit crabs scrape nutritious microalgae off of rocks to eat. Phytoplankton floating in the water is also a food source.

• Detritus – Decaying plant and animal matter that falls to the seabed provides an abundant food supply. Crabs pick through sediments consuming detritus.

• Copepods and amphipods – These small marine crustaceans are a part of the zooplankton that hermit crabs prey on

• Worms and microorganisms – Worms, insect larvae, microbes and other tiny sea creatures make up a large part of their carnivorous diet.

• Sponges and cnidarians – Hermit crabs occasionally eat sponges, jellyfish and sea anemones.

• Carrion – They scavenge on dead fish, shellfish and other decaying animals.

As opportunistic omnivores, hermit crabs will eat plant matter, small invertebrates or carrion whenever these foods become available. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in many habitats.

What Do Pet Hermit Crabs Eat?

In captivity, the key is replicating their diverse wild diet as much as possible. With proper nutrition, pet hermit crabs can live up to 20 years. Here are the best dietary options:

• Commercial crab food – High-quality hermit crab pellets provide balanced nutrition. Look for brands with natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives.

• Fruits and veggies – Fresh produce like apple, mango, melon, spinach, peas and carrot offer vital nutrients. Serve bite-sized pieces.

• Unsweetened cereals – Low-sugar cereals, oats and grains give crabs fiber. Opt for healthy whole grain types.

• Protein sources – Offer tiny pieces of cooked lean meat, egg, tofu or bean protein a few times per week.

• Calcium-rich foods – Cuttlebone, crushed eggshells and coral provide important dietary calcium for shell growth.

• Seaweed – Dried seaweed mimics their natural algae diet while providing marine minerals.

For balanced nutrition, provide mostly commercial crab diet supplemented with a variety of fresh foods. Feed only as much as your crab will eat in one sitting to prevent waste.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Hermit Crab

Some common human foods can be harmful for hermit crabs. Avoid feeding:

• Fatty meats or dairy products
• Sugary fruits like grapes, bananas
• Starchy veggies – potato, sweet potato, corn
• Sharp, acidic, or spicy foods
• Chocolate, coffee, alcohol
• Saltwater tank fish food

Remove uneaten fresh foods within 24 hours before they spoil. Rinse off artificial tank decor to prevent crabs eating potentially toxic paint or latex.

Tips for Feeding Your Saltwater Hermit Crab

• Feed younger, smaller crabs daily. Adults can eat every 2-3 days.
• Provide fresh and salt water bowls for soaking food.
• Vary diet between pellets, produce, proteins and calcium sources.
• Wash hands before and after handling food to prevent contamination.
• Avoid overfeeding – crabs will gorge! Remove excess after 15 minutes.
• Always monitor new food introductions for any adverse reactions.
• Cut foods to peanut-sized portions to prevent choking hazards.

For the healthiest crabs, feed a diverse, nutritious diet according to their age, size and activity levels. Supplying proper nutrition will keep your pet crab energetic.

Can Hermit Crabs Eat Fish Food?

It’s best not to feed your hermit crab aquarium fish food regularly. Fish food is formulated specifically for fish and lacks complete nutrition for crabs. It often contains shrimp meal or other seafood not found in a crab’s natural diet.

Fish food also tends to disintegrate quickly in water, making it hard for slow-moving crabs to eat before it’s gone. The high protein content can foul crab tank water as well.

While not toxic, fish food should be an occasional snack at most for hermit crabs. It can’t fully substitute for a proper crab diet.

Can Hermit Crabs Eat Leftover Human Food?

Leftovers aren’t the best choice for hermit crabs either. Small pieces of plain cooked meat, vegetable or grains are okay for supplemental feeding. But heavily seasoned, processed leftovers usually provide limited nutrition.

Fatty, sugary, or spicy leftovers can upset a crab’s digestive system as well. Avoid feeding leftovers with these qualities:

• Rich sauces, oil, butter
• Marinades, rubs, spices
• Salt, seasoned breading
• Greasy meats, cheese, junk food

If offering leftovers, choose healthy items like plain chicken, rice or steamed veggies. Check that foods are fresh, not spoiled. Remove after a day to prevent fouling the tank.

While hermit crabs aren’t picky, they have specific nutritional requirements as omnivores. Variety is important, but table scraps shouldn’t make up the bulk of their diet. With a balanced diet, these scavengers will thrive just like in their wild habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed my hermit crab?

• Young, small crabs need feeding daily.
• Adolescent crabs can eat every other day.
• Fully grown crabs only need feeding 2-3 times per week.

Do hermit crabs drink water?

Yes, hermit crabs require both freshwater and saltwater to stay hydrated. Provide two water bowls, one of each type, that are shallow enough for the crabs to climb into. Change the water daily.

What kind of seaweed can hermit crabs eat?

Dried seaweed sold for human consumption provides the best option. Look for packages of nori, kombu, wakame or dulse. It naturally contains healthy marine nutrients.

Can hermit crabs eat fish, shrimp or clams?

While crabs eat these in the wild, they aren’t necessary for pets. These proteins are high in fat and can foul tank water quickly. Only feed tiny amounts on occasion as a supplement.

Do hermit crabs need a heat source for their tank?

Yes, saltwater hermit crabs require tropical temperatures between 75-85°F. Use an aquarium heater and thermometer to maintain an appropriate climate.

The Bottom Line