Have you ever wondered what a hermit crab looks like without its shell? If so, you are not alone. I too wondered and went on a deep dive on the internet looking for videos and images. In my search, I learned quite a bit about the hermit crab’s body and why it needs it’s shell. I also saw my crabs shell-less body as it swapped shells. It is definitely an interesting topic to discuss,
Why Does a Hermit Crab Need a Shell
Hermit crabs have soft bodies that make them vulnerable to predators, extreme weather, and other dangers. They are also unable to regulate their body temperatures. Having a shell offers protection and a way to maintain moisture around their bodies.
Unlike true crabs that grow with their shells, hermit crabs need to find and occupy a shell. Throughout their lifetime, hermit crabs will go through many shells especially as they grow. In the wild, they find their shells by scavenging the shores. There are shells that are left over from snails and other hermit crabs. In captivity, it is important to provide you hermit crab a variety of shells so they can change as needed.
The Hermit Crab Body
There are many pictures on the internet that shows a hermit crab without a shell. Here are a couple that show how they look:
As seen in the above pictures, the bodies of the hermit crab is very delicate and prone to attacks to from predators. No wonder it needs a shell to survive.
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To learn more about hermit crabs, please continue to browse this website where we cover everything from essential items to frequently asked questions.
