HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I am a total loss when it comes to measuring shells, I even got a digital caliper and still I’m loss. Any help please!! I need to know what to get my little ones next. I have 3 hermies but Daphne is bury somewhere, her and Scooby are pretty much the same size.

This one is Freddy and the measurements were taking in inches.


Here’s Scooby, also in inches. I hope these pics are good, my 5yr old took them


Also I hope I measure them the right way.

Yes, I believe you are measuring them right. Just order the next sizes up from that. When ordering, look at the shell opening size and not the size of the total shell. Are you asking what sizes to order? Maybe .75 (3/4) and 1". Others may have more info, but that's what I'd do. Check out Naples for shells.

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Xenocrab wrote: ↑

Thu May 30, 2019 6:13 pm

Yes, I believe you are measuring them right. Just order the next sizes up from that. When ordering, look at the shell opening size and not the size of the total shell. Are you asking what sizes to order?

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Yes, honestly I have no idea how to incorporate these numbers into shell sizing

.5 is half an inch. .75 is 3/4 inch. Does that help at all? You can look on a measuring tape as well for a better visual reference. I give 5 shells per crab. If they are the same size, they may fight over a shell. It has happened!

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Xenocrab wrote: ↑

Thu May 30, 2019 6:17 pm

.5 is half an inch. .75 is 3/4 inch. Does that help at all? You can look on a measuring tape as well for a better visual reference. I give 5 shells per crab. If they are the same size, they may fight over a shell. It has happened!

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I tried measurement tape before I got the digital, but mine doesn’t show a lot of “lines” reason I decided to jump on a digital caliper with the hopes it will be easier

So with your reference and what mine are at the moment. I should need 5/8 for Freddy and 3/4 for Daph and Scooby?

I'd buy .75 (3/4) inch and 1" shells. Your readings look accurate. There's no saying how much your crabbies will grow during their molt, so give them options for shells. Also, after your receive your shells, boil them and soak them in salt water. They will go crazy for that! But make sure the shells are cooled before adding them to the tank. Everybody has their own ways and opinions. Use your best judgement. Crabbies can never have too many shells to choose from.

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Xenocrab wrote: ↑

Thu May 30, 2019 6:28 pm

I'd buy .75 (3/4) inch and 1" shells. Your readings look accurate. There's no saying how much your crabbies will grow during their molt, so give them options for shells. Also, after your receive your shells, boil them and soak them in salt water. They will go crazy for that! But make sure the shells are cooled before adding them to the tank. Everybody has their own ways and opinions. Use your best judgement. Crabbies can never have too many shells to choose from.

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Thanks so much! I did boiled and cooled them. Now when I rinse them I use saltwater after reading that in here, i want to believe that’s why Scooby wants to changed shells every other day and now Daphne too, lol, they are too funny sometimes.

Nope, you want to measure the inside of the shell, from end to end, like this.

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wodesorel wrote: ↑

Thu May 30, 2019 7:29 pm

Nope, you want to measure the inside of the shell, from end to end, like this.

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Ohh, thanks! Ill re-measured them tomorrow afternoon, and get more accurate results.