About Hermit Shells

If you have ever taken the time to observe a Hermit crab aquarium in your local pet store or at a friends home, the first thing you will notice is that although there may be only three or four crabs in the aquarium, the sand floor is littered with shells. Most people assume all those extra shells are placed there to add interest to the aquarium so that it does not look so barren and dull. While the shells are varied enough to indeed add interest this certainly is not their main purpose. Those additional shells littering the sand are important to the health and well being of the Hermit crab.

One Shell Does Not Fit All

Just as one style of home does not suit every persons individual taste, one shell does not fit every hermit crab’s individual taste. Being individuals, each crab is going to prefer his own style when it comes to choosing his Hermit shell. While some Hermit crabs prefer round holed shells, other prefer a more elongated shells, or even a slit type opening. The Hermit shell your crab chooses is one that fits his personal taste and is the easiest to carry around.

A single shell will not fit any one Hermit crab for his entire life. Just as a child grows and needs new clothes, when a Hermit crab grows he needs to be outfitted with a new hermit shell. Having a variety of shells in a variety of sizes will help your crab to find the hermit shell that is just the right size for him. For that reason, owners of hermit crabs need to keep a variety of shapes, sizes and style of hole openings available to their Hermit crab to meet his growing needs.

A Hermit shell that is too small will not offer your Hermit crab the protection he needs to feel safe. Too big a shell and he won’t be able to carry it with him as well. So, it is necessary for your crabs health and happiness to offer a variety of shells so there is always one that will meet his changing needs.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Just as you and your family occasionally like to get away and stay in a new place, so too does a Hermit crab like a little variety from time to time. Although, you will rarely see a Hermit crab out of a shell, he will when the mood strikes him try on different hermit shells from time to time out of a desire to have a little variety. Sometimes, he will move into the new shell for awhile if he likes it better than his home. Other times, he will simple try out something new just to see how it feels.

The Kind of Shells That You Should Provide

When providing a hemit crab with a variety of hermit shells, it helps to know what general kinds of shells a hermit crab may prefer. There are many shells that make good homes for Hermit crabs and here are some different kinds many people provide for their crabs to try on.

  • Aerolata
  • African Turbo
  • Babylone
  • Fox shells
  • Mountain land shells
  • Pink Murex

Keep in mind that this is just a partial list and there are several other kinds of shells Hermit crabs like to try on as well.

You will also want to avoid shells that are painted or have holes or cracks in them as they do not make good hermit shells.

Where to Buy Shells

Finding a variety of hermit shells may pose a bit of a problem. While the pet store where the hermit crab was purchased will offer some shells, pet stores generally lack variety. Visiting craft stores may also lead to some interesting finds, but again the variety will probably be lacking. However, there are many online stores that will offer a wide variety of shells that are suitable for your hermit crab and these shells are usually quite reasonably priced.

Now that you know why all those shells are decorating the sand of all those Hermit crab aquariums it makes a lot of sense to see them there doesn’t it? Providing a Hermit crab with a variety of shells helps to keep him healthy and happy and adds interests not only for the Hermit crab himself, but for those viewing the aquarium as well.