Have you ever seen a snail walking superfast and sideways? Chances are, you've spotted a hermit crab, like my funny friend Hermie! These little guys are like the ultimate recyclers of the sea, and their lives are full of adventures! 

Not really hermits... but definitely crabs!

Despite their name, hermit crabs don’t like to be alone! Their name comes from their habit of carrying their snail shell around like a tiny mobile home! They actually love hanging out in groups, and you might even see them climbing all over each other. Talk about a crabby, fin-tastic pyramid!

 

Some of these fascinating creatures live in the water, while others make their homes on land! Most crabs have super strong, built-in armour. But not our hermit crab heroes! Their bellies are soft and squishy! So, what does our crab do? They look for a second-hand home: they like snail shells, the swirly kind you find on the beach, but they're not picky! Some have been seen rocking clamshells, if ideal for their size and comfort. It's like finding the right pair of jeans, you need to be sure they will fit you well, and that you can carry it everywhere! 

As they grow, they need larger shells, like you need bigger shoes as your feet grow!! It's a constant treasure hunt.

Sometimes, it gets a little intense! If a hermit crab spots a shell that is the right size, and someone else is living in it, get ready for a competition!

They push, they shove, they even try to flip each other over! It's like a tiny wrestling match, all for the best address in the neighbourhood! 

These little dudes have some cool features: 

• Multi-Use Claws: Their big claw isn't just for fighting; it's like a Swiss Army knife! They use it to climb rocks, break open snacks, and even as a door to block the shell opening from sneaky predators. 
• 360-Degree Vision: Their eyes are on little stalks, like tiny periscopes, giving them a full view of everything around them.  

 

Some hermit crabs have amazing friendships! They let sea anemones (those flowery-looking sea creatures with stinging tentacles) hitch a ride on their shells. The anemone gets a free ride and leftover food, and in return, its stinging tentacles scare away grumpy predators! Talk about win-win! 

Say Nope to Painted Shells: Help a Hermit Crab Today!

Pet shops often sell hermit crabs because of their cuteness, but sadly, to make them more appealing, some silly humans put them in painted shells. This paint is like yucky poison for them!  And if they can't find a natural shell, they might try to use rubbish like tin cans or plastic. But these can be dangerous traps for the crab because they can climb in, but can't get out! 

Sadly, some people make choices that aren’t kind to animals!

You can help these amazing creatures!

• Never buy hermit crabs in painted shells.
• Let them live free and find their own perfect homes on the beach!
• It is fun to collect snail shells, but you should consider that even if a shell looks empty, it might be someone’s future home.  

Fun Activities for Little Hermit Crab Heroes: 

🐙 Shell Sorting Game: When you're at the beach, collect different kinds of empty shells. Talk about which ones might be good homes for hermit crabs. Which ones are too big or too small? Then leave them at the beach for our little friends.

🦞 Sideways Scuttle: Try walking sideways like a hermit crab! Can you move quickly or slowly? 

🦀 Beach Clean-Up: Help hermit crabs by picking up any rubbish you see on the beach, small plastic pieces or tin cans that they might try to use as shells. 

🦐 Draw the Hermit Crab's new home: You can download the file on the Printable page!

🍤 Let's become super hermit crab experts! Ask a grown-up to help you find the answers to these questions: 

• How many different kinds (species) of hermit crabs are there in the whole world? (Hint: It's a LOT!) 
  
• Why is it important for hermit crabs to have a shell that fits them right? What happens if it's too small or too big? 
  
• Can you find a video online of hermit crabs fighting over a shell? What funny things do they do? 
  
• What are some things we can do to keep our beaches and oceans clean, so hermit crabs can find the perfect natural homes? 

Want to show us your drawings or answers? Ask a grown-up to send them in!

See you soon, there is always another splashy story waiting!
Sophia the Seahorse