If you’re asking yourself “Are hermit crabs good pets?” the answer depends on what you’re looking for in a pet. Hermit crabs are fascinating, playful creatures that live surprisingly long and have quirky personalities—but they also have specific care needs many people overlook.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of hermit crabs as pets, so you can decide if a hermit crab is a good pet for you or your family.
Why Hermit Crabs Make Good Pets
1. Hermit Crabs Live Long Lives
If cared for properly, pet hermit crabs can live 10 to 20 years. That’s a big emotional payoff if you’re looking for a longtime companion. Many people ask, “How long do hermit crabs live as pets?”—the truth is, most only live a year or less because their care needs are misunderstood. But with the right setup, they can be around for decades.
2. Hermit Crabs Are Playful and Curious
When it comes to crab pets, hermit crabs are among the most active and interactive species. They climb, dig, explore, and even rearrange tank decor. Their natural curiosity means you’ll often find them investigating their environment, especially at night.
If you’re wondering “Are hermit crabs friendly?”—they can be! Over time, they recognize your voice, scent, and presence. With gentle handling and patience, you might even form a bond with your pet hermit crab.
3. Hermit Crabs Are Smart and Social
Many new owners ask, “Are hermit crabs smart?” and “How smart are hermit crabs?” While not on par with dogs or parrots, hermit crabs are surprisingly intelligent. In the wild, they engage in shell swapping negotiations and remember previous experiences—both good and bad.
So, how smart are crabs in general? Studies suggest that crabs are intelligent enough to navigate mazes, learn from pain, and even exhibit social behaviors. Hermit crabs, in particular, can be trained using food and respond to tone and posture.
4. No Need for Sunlight or Loud Equipment
Unlike reptiles or fish that need UV lights and filters, hermit crab light requirements are minimal. In fact, direct sunlight can harm them. They prefer a dark, quiet space that mimics the tropical shores they come from. Just a low-wattage red or LED light for nighttime viewing is more than enough.
5. They’re Generally Safe and Clean
One common concern is, “Do hermit crabs carry diseases?” Fortunately, hermit crabs do not carry diseases harmful to humans. They don’t shed dander, don’t need vaccinations, and rarely cause allergic reactions. As long as you wash your hands before and after handling them, they’re a very clean pet to own.
Challenges of Keeping Hermit Crabs as Pets
While hermit crabs as pets can be rewarding, there are important things to consider before you bring one home.
1. Hermit Crabs Can’t Live Alone
A big mistake many new owners make is keeping a single hermit crab. So can hermit crabs live alone? Technically yes, but they shouldn’t. Hermit crabs are highly social creatures. In the wild, they live in colonies of dozens. That’s why hermit crabs need friends to thrive. If you’re getting one, you should really get two to four to avoid loneliness and stress.
If you’re still asking, “Do hermit crabs need a friend?” or “Do hermit crabs need friends?”—yes, they absolutely do. A lonely crab is a stressed crab, and stress shortens their lifespan.
2. They Require a Special Habitat
A bowl of gravel is not a home for a hermit crab. Keeping hermit crabs means setting up a proper crabitat that includes:
- A 20-gallon tank for 2–4 crabs
- Eco-Earth or coconut fiber mixed with sand (at least 6 inches deep)
- Two water dishes (one with dechlorinated freshwater, one with saltwater)
- Hiding spots, driftwood, climbing structures, and multiple empty shells
3. Strict Humidity and Temperature Requirements
Hermit crabs are tropical animals. Their ideal temperature is 75–85°F, and they need humidity levels of 70–80% to breathe properly.
This means monitoring your hermit crab temperature using a thermometer and hygrometer, using a heat pad if needed, and misting the tank daily to keep the air moist.
If their hermit crab temperature drops too low, crabs become sluggish and vulnerable. Too hot, and they can dehydrate or die.
4. They Need Saltwater and Freshwater
Many don’t realize hermit crabs for pets require two types of water. They need freshwater for drinking and saltwater to bathe and regulate their bodies. Skipping saltwater is a common cause of early death.
These water sources should be chlorine-free and always available in shallow dishes they can climb in and out of safely.
5. They Can’t Be Bred in Captivity
You might think “Can I have a pet crab and breed it later?” Unfortunately, hermit crabs do not breed in home tanks. Every crab sold in stores has been taken from the wild, often under harsh, unethical conditions.
This raises ethical questions. While owning hermit crabs can be fulfilling, you should be aware that most are wild-caught. Captive breeding has only been successful under rare lab conditions.
6. Environmental Impact
Hermit crabs as pet animals contribute to environmental concerns. Shells are harvested from beaches in large numbers, impacting the marine ecosystem. These shells are vital for keeping oceans clean and stable.
So if you’re wondering, “Are hermit crabs a good pet?”—they can be, but only if you’re committed to giving them a long, healthy life. Impulse buying supports a cruel pet industry that harms wild populations.
Are Hermit Crabs Good Pets for Kids?
So, are hermit crabs good pets for kids? Yes—with adult supervision. They’re low-maintenance once the habitat is set up, and they teach kids about responsibility, ecology, and gentle handling.
However, young children should not handle them unsupervised, as rough treatment can stress or injure the crab, and startled crabs may pinch in self-defense.
Why Hermit Crabs Bury Themselves
If you’ve noticed your hermit crab pet buried for days, don’t worry. Many ask, “Why do hermit crabs bury themselves?”—they do this to rest, de-stress, or molt.
Molting is when a crab sheds its exoskeleton and grows a new one, which requires weeks of stillness underground. Never dig up a buried crab—it could be mid-molt and easily injured.
Related articles:
- What do hermit crabs need in captivity
- How long does a hermit crab live in captivity
- How do you know if your hermit crab is dead
- Shell requirements – 101
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Hermit Crab?
So, do hermit crabs make good pets? Absolutely—but only if you’re ready to meet their specific needs. They’re not decoration or throwaway pets. When cared for properly, hermit crabs as pets can live over a decade, form bonds with you, and become a unique part of your home.
If you’re still asking “Is a hermit crab a good pet?”—here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
- Long lifespan
- Clean and safe
- Playful and smart
- No need for sunlight
- Budget-friendly upkeep after setup
Cons:
- Need multiple crabs (can’t live alone)
- Require specific temperature and humidity
- Need saltwater and freshwater
- Wild-caught (ethical concerns)
- Can’t be bred in captivity
If you’re prepared, hermit crab pets are some of the best crab pets you can have—quirky, fun, and full of surprises. They may be small, but the joy they bring is anything but.
