Q&A for How to Care for a Marine Hermit Crab

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Can my marine hermit crab be with another marine hermit crab?

Jake

Community Answer

Yes, hermit crabs, even of other species, typically get along nicely. However, if you do notice fighting between them, you should separate them.

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Question

What kind of crab does my son have? It was given to him by a neighbor who visited a beach in North Carolina.

Community Answer

It is hard to tell without a description. There are a number of species of crab in North Carolina.

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Question

Can my thin stripe hermit crab be in a tank with other hermit crabs and fish?

Community Answer

No, because even though he wouldn't pose a threat to the other fish, he might begin to fight with the other hermit crabs.

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Question

Are hermit crabs nice?

1zsn Edc

Community Answer

Hermit crabs are wonderful pets that are easy to look after. The hermit crab has evolved to be able to live on land with the use of an empty shell as a home for protection. With the right care, your hermit crab can live as long as 15 years.

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Question

I have a 3½-gallon tank. How many hermit crabs can I keep in there?

Community Answer

Two or three. Each crab should have at least one gallon of water.

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Question

Do I need an air pump for aquatic hermit crabs?

Arjun Nagarajan

Community Answer

No, you usually do not require any sort of aeration for an aquatic hermit crab. It should be fine without it.

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Question

I found a small hermit crab at the beach and put it in a pot with saltwater in it. I want to keep it as a pet but I don’t know how to keep it alive?

Arjun Nagarajan

Community Answer

You most likely won't succeed in keeping a wild hermit crab alive. Your best bet to take care of it, if you want it to survive, would be to release it into the wild.

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Question

Do they need saltwater?

Julia

Top Answerer

Yes, marine hermit crabs are saltwater crabs and need to be kept in saltwater aquariums.

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Question

Does a saltwater hermit crab eat their exoskeleton after they molt?

Julia

Top Answerer

Yes, after a hermit crab molts, they will eat all or most of the shed exoskeleton afterwards.

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Question

Do blue hermit crabs need access to land and fresh water?

Julia

Top Answerer

The blue leg hermit crab is a marine crab and only needs saltwater. They do not require access to land.

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Question

Can I keep several crabs of the same species together?

Helena Harris

Community Answer

No, as they might become territorial and pick on the smaller species.

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Question

Can I use ocean water for my crab tank?

Alvedon yesyes

Community Answer

It depends what crab you're having! If you are having a crab from a saltwater ocean, you can have saltwater. If you're having a crab that comes from a "clean" water ocean you need to use "clean" water!

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Question

Where can I buy saltwater?

Community Answer

You can mix your own after buying salt at a pet store, or buy pre-packaged gallons of salt water to pour into your tank from any pet store.

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Question

Can my thin stripe hermit crab be in a tank with other hermit crabs and fish?

Community Answer

No. Your specific type of crab would be a bit angry and eventually kill the fish. And if you put him in with other crabs, he will want to fight and may not be able to win.

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Question

Can I keep a hermit crab alive if I do not live in a please that has fresh salt water.

Bunbun23

Community Answer

No your hermit crab needs fresh saltwater to survive. So if you can’t get saltwater then don’t get a hermit crab––get a different pet. If you are interested in aquatic animals, you could get a fish or mystery snails.

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Question

What type of plants can I use for my striped hermit crabs?

Ashton Brandt

Community Answer

Spider plants are safe for them. However, they won't last a very long time. The truth is hermit crabs, simply, like to munch on anything green and edible. So, it is wise not to put in any plants. You can try putting some Chia seeds in tank and hermit will definitely love that.

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Question

Can my thin stripe crab have other thin stribe crabs for company?

Community Answer

Yes, they are more comfortable in packs. Its very good for the growth and development of your crab.

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Question

Went on Vacation to Hilton head Island in South Carolina. Went on a shell hunt and accidentally brought home 3 stowaways. What do I do?

Community Answer

Fill a container with water and add about two tablespoons of table salt and they should be fine. Next time, be more careful about the wildlife.

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Question

I found my hermit crabs in tide pools at the beach and they are super-duper small. Is it okay if I keep them as pets? Can I put two together?

Community Answer

Yes, you can keep them, and you should definitely keep them together because they are social animals and enjoy each other's company.

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