HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello! I am the proud new owner of two hermit crabs however, I’m learning on the go as becoming an owner was not planned.

A bit of backstory:

About 3-4 days ago, my younger cousins won a hermit crab at our county fair. My aunt was less than thrilled but nonetheless they brought him home and have since named him Patrick(which he has been renamed Astartes). 2 days ago, my aunt asked me if I could take him off their hands since I had a hermit crab when I was 12 and let’s just say, I was way in over my head then. I agreed to take the hermit crab as long as my aunt helped me pay for the equipment. The day I received Astartes, I wasted no time and immediately went shopping, taking him with me since I didn’t want to leave him at home without a proper tank. In the process, I adopted a second hermit crab to pair him with. Her name is Marion. I have a 10 gal tank with 6 inches of a mix of ‘eco earth’ and sand. There are two huts, two water bowls for salt and fresh water and a food bowl, along with other decor they can climb on and hide in. I also have two heating pads and the humidity is currently 85 while the temp is 80F, more shells are currently on the way.

I have since introduced the hermits and they seem to be doing relatively well, at least I think. They haven’t interacted much though when they did, they seemed to just crawl all over each other, which I’ve learned is normal socializing behavior. However I’m confused on what could be considered aggressive behavior and when I should separate them. The first night, I didn’t get much sleep since I worried over every move they made.

Last night Astartes also had dug a hole for himself in one of the huts and hadn’t moved since tonight. I was just wondering if that would be something I should concerned about. He has since moved and climbed up inside the hut so he’s hanging. Marion shortly joined him. I’m assuming this is okay?

My final questions are: how many shells would you recommend having in the tank? Any certain styles? Or things I should stay away from?

And I’m moving in for college next week, how do you suggest I move them? I’ve read putting them in a storage tote but I’m unsure of what that means.

I’m very new to this and any advice and answers would be appreciated. Thank you


(Astartes{left} and Marion{right} hanging from inside the hut)


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There is a wonderful care sheet and information under the forum care. A couple east take aways though...you are right they are ok, digging is normal. He may be molting. Keep an eye out if he is just so the other crab doesn't mess with him while he's buried (since you have deep substrate it should he ok) The tank Temps are in a good range. Make sure your treating both waters to make them both fresh(take out chlorine, metals other harmful stuff) then treat the salt pool with salt(never use table). The stuff they sell for hermits norm isn't good enough to properly treat the water. I use stuff for aquariums. You may be doing this already but it's important (check the care guide for proper detailed instructions) they say get 3-5 shells per crab. I have more because some crabs are picky. Never use painted shells. There is also a good list of shell places under shell care. If they are the same size Def recommend having a good variety to avoid fighting over shells. Diff crabs pref. Diff shells but turbos are popular. Read the shell guide. It tells you the two kind[round And D opeing) the sizes go by openings. It depends on how your moving...driving or plane, distance. Def read care guide and let anyone know if you have questions. Your off to a great start from what I've read so far. It's awesome your taking care of them!

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Care guide. It breaks alot of stuff down for you. There are also different guides like for shells, food etc.

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Alaina wrote:viewtopic.php?p=852153#p852153

Care guide. It breaks alot of stuff down for you. There are also different guides like for shells, food etc.

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Thank you so much!


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If your 20g isn’t too heavy, you can just move it as is with them in there. Totes are usually used when you have the bigger/heavier tanks that have to be broken down to move. Just be sure to support the bottom and be very careful if anyone is under the sub in case they’ve got themselves a cave for molting. You wouldn’t want it collapse. Did you moisten your substrate to sandcastle-like consistency? This helps hold the structure of their tunnels and caves.

Also, I get my Turbo shells from Naples and Richards.

You’re off to an amazing start!


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