Hermit crabs are the hermit crabs of the superfamily Paguroidea, adapted to occupy the shells of empty scavenged mollusks to protect the fragile exoskeleton. There are more than 800 hermit crabs, most of which have an asymmetric abdomen hidden in a snug-fitting shell.
Is the hermit crab really a crab?
Hermit crabs are omnivorous scavengers that feed on fine mussels and clams, small pieces of dead animals, and large algae. These crustaceans are misnamed for two reasons. First, it is not a true crab like the blue crab in that it does not have a uniformly hard exoskeleton and cannot grow its own shell.
Do you have a shell for crabs?
Crabs have a thick shell that covers their bodies. The shells do not grow, so animals need to keep dropping shells several times as they grow up.
Is hermit crab toxic?
They are disease-free — they do not carry human illness and do not need to go to the vet. They are hypoallergenic, which means they are safe pets for children with allergies. Hermit crabs can grow with your child because they have a long lifespan.
Why is a hermit crab called a hermit crab?
Hermit crabs live in mollusk shells and are named because they tend to be drawn into the shell when they are on the verge of extinction. These shells protect the hermit crab's soft, curved abdomen. The crab's tail is fixed to the shell and uses several walking legs to support the shell.
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