Hermit crabs get their name because they “live alone” in borrowed shells, much like a hermit in a secluded home. But there’s more to these little crustaceans than just their unusual housing situation!
Here are some fun facts about them:
🔹 They’re not true crabs – Despite their name, hermit crabs are more closely related to lobsters than to actual crabs.
🔹 They swap homes as they grow – Unlike real crabs with hard shells, hermit crabs rely on empty snail shells for protection. As they get bigger, they move into larger shells.
🔹 They have shell-swapping parties – When multiple crabs need a new home, they line up in size order and swap shells like an efficient moving crew!
🔹 Some carry a bodyguard – Many hermit crabs team up with anemones, which attach to their shells and provide protection with their stinging tentacles. In return, the crab carries them to fresh feeding grounds.
🔹 They “talk” to each other – Hermit crabs communicate using chirping sounds, called stridulation, made by rubbing body parts together.
🔹 They’re social creatures – Despite their name, hermit crabs aren’t loners. In the wild, they live in large groups and can even show signs of cooperation.
🔹 Not all hermits live in shells – Some deep-sea species use sponges, coral, or even bamboo stalks instead of traditional snail shells.
More about Hermit crabs & other Indo-Pacific crustaceans you can find in the photo guide Coral Reef Crustaceans from Red Sea to Papua
