There are so many hermit crab myths out there it's ridiculous. It's time to set some of them straight.
1) hermit crabs bite
Definitely not. Hermies don't even have teeth!
2) only some species of hermit crabs need salt water
Nope. All the different kinds of crabs need access to salt water.
3) if your crab changes shells, that means it is growing.
This is only applicable right after a molt. Most times, a crab is just looking for a new shell.
4) hermit crabs like painted shells.
Not true. When given a choice, hermies will choose natural shells over painted ones.
5) you should bathe your hermit crabs.
You should never just pick a crab up and dunk it in water. Provide salt and fresh water so crabs can bathe themselves.
6) crabs carry disease
Another no. The parasites and diseases crabs get will not transfer to people.
7) hermit crabs need chopped up food.
Ummm . . . do you think wild hermies get finely chopped food? Ripping up their food is a favorite crab pastime.
8) you can't give hermit crabs water bowls because they will drown.
Hermit crabs will only drown if they fall into a deep dish. Put pebbles or vines in the dish if you're worried.
9) hermit crabs have a short lifespan
Nope. With proper care, crabs can live for over 30 years.
10) hermit crabs drink from sponges.
This is the one that I see most often, and it is not true. It doesn't make logical sense. How could a crab physically remove water from a sponge? Sponges only harbor bacteria, which then leeches out into the water. Keep your crabs safe and don't use sponges.
1) hermit crabs bite
Definitely not. Hermies don't even have teeth!
2) only some species of hermit crabs need salt water
Nope. All the different kinds of crabs need access to salt water.
3) if your crab changes shells, that means it is growing.
This is only applicable right after a molt. Most times, a crab is just looking for a new shell.
4) hermit crabs like painted shells.
Not true. When given a choice, hermies will choose natural shells over painted ones.
5) you should bathe your hermit crabs.
You should never just pick a crab up and dunk it in water. Provide salt and fresh water so crabs can bathe themselves.
6) crabs carry disease
Another no. The parasites and diseases crabs get will not transfer to people.
7) hermit crabs need chopped up food.
Ummm . . . do you think wild hermies get finely chopped food? Ripping up their food is a favorite crab pastime.
8) you can't give hermit crabs water bowls because they will drown.
Hermit crabs will only drown if they fall into a deep dish. Put pebbles or vines in the dish if you're worried.
9) hermit crabs have a short lifespan
Nope. With proper care, crabs can live for over 30 years.
10) hermit crabs drink from sponges.
This is the one that I see most often, and it is not true. It doesn't make logical sense. How could a crab physically remove water from a sponge? Sponges only harbor bacteria, which then leeches out into the water. Keep your crabs safe and don't use sponges.