Hermit Crabs for Pets Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

When choosing hermit crabs the main sign to look for is the crabs' activity. Inactivity could be a sign of poor health or death. Limbs are not always a need for concern, because crabs can regrow any missing or damaged limbs when they are molting (shedding their exoskeleton).

However choosing a crab that has all its limbs is easier to maintain. A crab's size should be chosen carefully when considering the accommodations that the crab requires.

Answer: all of these

Gonopores are small holes located on the female's back pair of walking legs. When crabs are mating, the gonopores are usually in a position where they line up with the male crab's fifth pair of legs. Females have three false legs that are called pleopods, which are absent in males.

However pleopods are not always visible, unless the crab is completely out of its shell. Sometimes the female's egg sac is visible, but can also be hard to see.

Answer: False

Hermit crabs usually never reproduce in captivity. Although hermit crabs have been known to lay eggs in captivity, eggs die quickly because the crab is not able to lay them in a natural habitat.

Answer: a standard aquarium with a lid

A small space, such as a goldfish bowl, can cause the crab to become stressed or panicked. Using an aquarium for the hermit crab's home can provide crabs with a large space to move around. Ten to five gallon aquariums can house multiple crabs and can provide room for plants, wood, and decorations. A lid prevents hermit crabs from escaping and also helps keep the temperature regulated.

Answer: True

Crabs grow and need extra shells when they outgrow their old ones. They should have a thermometer close to their container to make sure the temperature is right. Sponges help a hermit crab to be able to use its drinking water, and should be kept in a small water dish. Crabs need sand or gravel to line their containers to provide comfort when they are molting or feel the need to hide.

A crab also needs small food dishes that will fit inside its container to hold all of its supplies.

Answer: highly processed foods

Hermit crabs are omnivores, which means they consume plants and meat. Many manufactured pet foods for crabs contain a small amount of fruit and meat that a crab needs in its diet. Some pet stores carry snacks such as small dried shrimp or live crickets.

Some household vegetables can be used for food snacks such as small pieces of lettuce. Highly processed foods have many chemicals that can be harmful. It is best to avoid any food that may contain ethoxyquin or copper sulfate.

Answer: humid and warm

Usually 70°F can be the standard temperature for a hermit crab's home. Temperatures that are too cold will interfere with the crab's health and ability to shed its exoskeleton. Temperatures that are too hot will cook the crab. They need water and occasional humidity to survive. Sometimes a bowl of warm water can temporarily give their home some humidity.

Answer: all of these

The molting process leaves the the crab helpless until its new exoskeleton hardens. If a hermit crab is suspected of beginning to molt, the owner can move it to a separate container to protect it from harassment. If the crab is already in the process of molting, it is best to leave them where they are; picking them up could cause more stress and lead to death. If a hermit crab cannot be moved, one method to protect it is to cut the sides from a 2 liter soda bottle and place it around the crab with a reserved shell nearby.

Answer: the cage and the hermit crab will have an odor similar to rotting fish

Hermit crabs will remain in a still position while they are molting. During the molting process it is a good sign when the exoskeleton falls off, and is not a sign of death. Crabs usually will not swell up when they die. One sign of death is a foul odor that becomes strong within a few days after death.

Answer: True

Multiple hermit crabs can be housed at once. This can bring comfort to the crabs and entertainment for the owner. In nature, hermit crabs often live in large groups and are close to the ocean. They need each other's company and it is usually recommended that pet owners keep more than one.

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