Hermit Crab animals

Hermit crabs are crustaceans that belong to the family Paguroidea. Unlike true crabs, hermit crabs have soft, vulnerable abdomen. In order to protect their soft bodies from predators, hermit crabs use abandoned shells of other marine animals, mostly snails. It is this habit of living in shells of other organisms that hermit crabs have derived their name from. A hermit crab carries its 'house' wherever it goes. Once it has outgrown its shell, it discards it and looks for a new shell. This behavior of the hermit crab gives rise to competition for shells among the members of this species. Over the years, these animals have gained popularity as pets. However, to ensure their good health in captivity, it is important to provide the ideal hermit crab habitat.