Hermit crabs as pets? They may not be the first animal that comes to mind when you’re looking at small pets, but these fascinating little crustaceans are becoming increasingly popular. Once sold mostly as seaside souvenirs in tiny plastic cages, hermit crabs are now recognized as fun, interactive, and surprisingly social pets.
They make a wonderful alternative to hamsters, gerbils, or fish, and they often live much longer than people expect—sometimes 10–20 years with proper care! Even better, hermit crabs have their own personalities, can be handled gently, and will interact with their environment in entertaining ways.
What Makes Hermit Crabs Interesting Pets
They’re Social Creatures
Despite the name, hermit crabs are not loners. In fact, they thrive in groups! In the wild, they live in colonies that can number in the hundreds. When kept as pets, they’re happier and less stressed if they have tank mates. You’ll notice them climbing over each other, exploring together, and even swapping shells after checking out each other’s “real estate.”
They Have Personalities
Many new owners are surprised to learn that hermit crabs show distinct personalities. Some are bold explorers who rush out of their shells the second you open the tank, while others are shy and prefer to observe from hiding spots. Over time, you’ll get to know which crabs are adventurous, which are homebodies, and which are “foodies” that make a beeline for treats.
They’re Long-Lived (With Proper Care)
Most people assume the hermit crab lifespan is only a year or two, but that’s usually because they’re sold in poor conditions. With proper care, they can live 10 to 20 years, and there are reports of some reaching 30+ years in captivity. They’re a commitment—but one that can bring a lot of joy.
They’re Low Maintenance (Compared to Other Pets)
Hermit crabs don’t need walks, grooming appointments, or vet visits nearly as often as dogs and cats. Once their tank (or “crabitat”) is set up correctly, daily care is fairly simple: refreshing food and water, checking humidity, and occasional spot cleaning.
They’re Fascinating to Watch
Hermit crabs are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. Once the lights go out, you might hear them rustling around, climbing, digging, or rearranging shells. Watching them pick up and examine new shells—or even “argue” politely over one—is both entertaining and educational.
Pros and Cons of Hermit Crabs as Pets
✅ Pros
- Long lifespan (10–20 years possible with proper care)
- Low maintenance compared to furry pets
- Allergy-friendly (no dander or fur)
- Fascinating to watch, especially in groups
- Quiet and budget-friendly once setup is complete
⚠️ Cons
- Not cuddly or interactive in the traditional sense
- Require precise temperature and humidity
- Nocturnal—most active at night
- Molting can be stressful for new owners (weeks underground is normal)
- Delicate, not ideal for very young children
- Need plenty of extra shells to avoid fighting
Hermit Crab Care
The Right Tank
Forget the tiny plastic cages sold at gift shops—hermit crabs need space, warmth, and humidity. A 10-gallon glass aquarium is the minimum size for one or two crabs. If you’re planning on a small colony (hermit crabs actually prefer living with others), a 20-gallon tank is much better.
👉 Tip: They are expert climbers and escape artists, so always use a snug-fitting lid on your hermit crab tank.
Substrate for Digging and Molting
Hermit crabs are burrowers, especially during molting. A bare-bottom tank won’t cut it. You’ll need 3–4 inches of substrate such as:
- Clean play sand
- Coconut fiber bedding
- Or a mix of the two (great for holding burrows)
If you do use crushed coral or other alternatives, always provide at least one area of sand so crabs can molt comfortably.
Heat and Humidity
Hermit crabs come from tropical environments, so they need warmth and moisture. Place a heating pad under one side of the tank to create a warm zone, and use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions.
- Ideal temperature: 72°F – 80°F
- Ideal humidity: 70% – 80%
Without the right humidity, hermit crabs can’t breathe properly and won’t survive long.
Must-Have Tank Accessories
Food and Water Dishes
Hermit crabs need three shallow dishes inside their habitat:
- Freshwater dish – dechlorinated tap or bottled water
- Saltwater dish – prepared with marine aquarium salt (never table salt)
- Food dish – shallow and easy to access
Each water dish should be deep enough for crabs to climb into but shallow enough to prevent drowning. Adding a natural sea sponge to the freshwater dish helps maintain humidity and gives crabs something fun to pinch.
Climbing and Hiding Spots
Hermit crabs are active explorers. Decorate their crabitat with:
- Driftwood or cork bark
- Cholla wood tunnels
- Coral pieces
- Coconut shells for hiding spots
These enrich their environment and give them places to climb, dig, and destress.
Feeding Your Hermit Crab
Commercial hermit crab food is a good base, but a varied diet keeps them healthier and more engaged. Supplement with:
- Fruits: apples, bananas, mango, grapes
- Veggies: spinach, carrots, zucchini
- Proteins: plain nuts, boiled egg, lean cooked meat, or fish
- Grains: oats, rice, plain cereal
Calcium is vital for strong exoskeletons. Provide crushed eggshells, oyster shell, or cuttlebone regularly.
⚠️ Avoid salty, processed foods, and citrus fruits, which can harm their gills.
Daily and Weekly Care
- Freshen food and water daily – crabs are sensitive to contamination.
- Spot-clean the substrate – remove waste, uneaten food, or mold.
- Provide extra shells – always keep a variety of clean shells in different sizes. Hermit crabs will “shop” for shells as they grow, and too few can cause fights.
- Support molting – when a crab buries itself, don’t dig it up. Molting is essential for growth and can take weeks. Once finished, remove any shed exoskeleton if it hasn’t been eaten.
Quick Reference: Hermit Crab Care
| Care Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 10 gallons for 1–2 crabs; 20 gallons for a small colony |
| Temperature | Keep between 72°F – 80°F |
| Humidity | Maintain 70% – 80% with a hygrometer |
| Substrate | 3–4 inches of moist play sand, coconut fiber, or a mix for burrowing |
| Water | One dish of freshwater + one dish of saltwater (marine salt only) |
| Diet | Commercial hermit crab food plus fruits, veggies, protein, and calcium (cuttlebone, eggshells, oyster shell) |
| Enrichment | Climbing wood, coral, coconut hides, and extra shells for growth |
| Daily Care | Clean food/water dishes, refresh water, remove waste, check humidity |
| Molting | Do not disturb buried crabs; remove shed exoskeleton after molting |
Final Thoughts
Hermit crabs may not be furry or cuddly, but they’re full of charm. With the right care, they can live for many years, offering endless entertainment as they climb, burrow, and trade shells. For pet lovers who want something different—and are ready to create a little tropical world in their home—hermit crabs as pets make surprisingly rewarding companions.
Now all that’s left is to pick out a name (or three!) for your new shell-dwelling friends.