Out of curiosity and need there comes a lot of questions like how long a hermit crab can survive without a shell. They are nice and adorable as pets and can be a nice addition to the aquarium. Going through the process sometimes we face some trouble with shell-related questions.
The exact duration of surviving hermit crab depends on the environmental condition. Specifically a hermit crab can survive without a shell for only a few hours to a day.
Let’s dive deep into hermit crabs’ shells.
Do hermit crabs need a shell?
Almost every crustacean has a protective and strong enough exoskeleton that can protect its soft and sensitive body. But the only difference can be seen in the case of hermit crabs body. But instead of having their full body covered with a shell, only the pincer, legs, and upper part of the body have an exoskeleton but the lower part is too vulnerable and soft to be exposed to a normal environment. To protect from other predators and crabs or the dry sunny environment, they need shells. It is like a necessary part of the body.
As hermit crabs don’t have shells from the beginning, they choose to live in other things that fit most to their body such as mollusks especially sea snails’ leftover shells, plastic pots, or aluminum cans. Sometimes they fight for the shell to take the best one.
Can a hermit crab survive without its shell?
No, a hermit crab cannot survive without its shell. If it were to lose its shell it would be extremely vulnerable and would likely not survive for long. It is not a good idea to take out a hermit crab from its shell. If you want it to change its old and boring shell you can give them some options that are different in size and shape. It will find the best shell. If it does not consider giving it some more options. Glass shell is not a good option. You will find artificially colored shells in online stores like Amazon and eBay.
When a hermit crab leaves its shell
Changing shells is like changing clothes for crabs. A hermit crab can live up to 14 to 17 years. By the time it grows the old shell does not fit its body and it decides to change by leaving the shell in most of the cases. Then hermit crabs find a new best-fitting shell. In the wild most of the time, it modifies the shell as it likes and cuts the shell which part bothers. But there are some exceptions.
Most of the time hermit crabs molt keeping the body inside but sometimes they can be out of the shell for the molting process and then choose a new shell. Something foreign can bother them in the shell like a parasite, infection, bacteria, or gravel which can lead to leaving the shell. So be sure before you give them a new shell.
What happens if my hermit crab out of its shell
We talked about which reasons a hermit crab can leave its shell. If it doesn’t find a new shell it will be vulnerable due to environmental stressors which will lead to death.
If you keep your hermit crab with other predators in an aquatarium-like ecosystem, the vulnerable of the body will attract other predators. They like to hide in the shell. Exposing their body can cause significant stress and health issues. It can cause dehydration and give the chance of being physically damaged from injury.
Can I put a hermit crab back in its shell?
You can put a hermit crab back in its shell if your crab is too weak to do it by itself. However, before doing that keep these things in consideration.
- If it cannot move to get inside a shell after your help, we suggest you not force it to get inside. The hermit crab does not have a simple structure. The hiding part of the body requires shaping the body in the shell which will be hard for you to do. You can see this for visualization.
- Clean the body of the crab before putting it in a new shell
- Make sure the new shell is bigger than the old one but not too big.
- Make sure to clean the shell until anything remains.
How can you tell if a hermit crab is dying?
Lack of movement is commonly considered a molting process. This is only true when they are healthy and have no sign of injury, rot, or sickness (Labored Breathing, Discolored or Abnormal Appearance, Foul Odor, Abnormal Molting, Changes in Behavior, Weight Loss, Shell Damage, and lethargy are symptoms of sickness). Hermit crabs are twinkle toes means they like to play around not to sit here and there. So becoming lethargic can be a sign of death. Keep an eye on buried crabs.
Hermit crabs are social animals sometimes they become isolated from other crabs which can also be a sign of dying. Unusual leaving from the shell can also be an indicator of sickness.
How do you save a dying hermit crab?
If you see dying symptoms at the end of its lifespan then it is normal you can do nothing about it. In this particular case, you try to feed him healthily and take more care which can increase his lifespan but he will die anyway.
- Isolate from other crabs to stop spreading sickness.
- Check if the habitat is in the right condition such as figuring out the appropriate water condition and humidity for the dying species. If it is not in the right condition take immediate action and fix it.
- Ensure that the other things (stones, tree trunks, etc.) are clean and bacteria-free.
- Give calcium-sourced food for a strong exoskeleton structure.
- Give fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Ensure that they have access to both saltwater and freshwater.
- Minimize the environmental disturbance (loud noise and sudden movement) as much as you can.
- If the condition does not improve consider seeking professionals help.
Related article – Detailed care guide about harlequin crab
