HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello I just recently had my 2nd largest pp come up from a molt (hermie) and my newest and largest (godzilla) has been climbing on top of and getting rough with hermie. I tried giving hermie a bath to get rid of his molt smell. I think godzilla wants his shell, believe this is due to my lack of large shells. the hermit crab patch is contstantly out of the larger shells i need for my bigger pp's. not sure what to do on getting the big enough shells for them. Today I came home from grocery shopping and decided to take a look at hermie, see how he was doing. It looks as though godzilla has removed hermie and took over his shell. I have looked all over the tank and cant find godzillas shell or find hermie. could they have traded and both still be ok? Freaking out right now. what to do ? help please, thanks

Go to craft stores like Michael's Joann's or Hobby lobby. You can also check Goodwill and other places. Naples Seashells online always has a good selection and you can try Mygann on Ebay or Etsy. You may want to separate them until you can get more shells ASAP.

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Can you post photos of them with a size reference? Most crabbers overestimate how big of a shell their hermits actually need.

Yes, they can sometimes swap out and be okay. If it was a bad fight, Hermie would not be missing. You'd have found evidence. It sounds like something happened where they switched shells - it could have been violent or it could have been Hermie shell shopping before a molt and it being perfect timing for both - and then Hermie dug down. I personally would not be panicking, but even if he did get hurt there is nothing you can do for him. He would need to molt to heal, which he may be doing. Have you checked above ground everywhere he could be hiding?

I'm sorry I didn't even process that you have a missing crabbie! *facepalm*

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yes he has to be underground hopefully in godzillas shell. there shells are both about the same size 1 1/8. hermie had a black triple stripe magpie shell from hcp and godzilla was in a old silver polished turbo shell

Here is the trouble making shell stealing bully. I know its Godzilla cause he is purple, has the largest and more oval shaped bp where hermie is mostly orange and has a near perfectly round bp

Side note, I love that shell!

That shell is well on the big side for a crab that size, and an O opening turbo will have even more space with the same size opening that a oval shell opening like a magpie. You really won't need to order bigger for the time being.

wonder why godzilla stole that shell then cause i do have other nice shells for them around 7/8 - 1"

wonder why godzilla stole that shell then cause i do have other nice shells for them around 7/8 - 1"

Good news I came home from work today to find Hemie up and around in godzillas shell. He appeared to be unharmed. I also found and added some more shells today that should fit the larger guys. I added that in a separate post in shells. Thanks everyone for the help