Whether hermit crabs need saltwater or freshwater, if any, depends on a few things. First, there are multiple species of hermit crabs. If you have got a saltwater hermit crab, of course, it will need to be in a saltwater tank. Remember to never use table salt and to instead opt for salt that has been specifically curated for aquariums.
On the other hand, if you have a freshwater hermit crab, then it will, of course, need to be in a freshwater tank. Remember to check the various levels of the tank to ensure that it is the perfect environment for your hermit crab.
However, if you have a land hermit crab, then it can be difficult to know whether they need saltwater, freshwater, or any water at all! First, it is essential to understand that whether your hermit crab is a land crab or not, it will need access to water throughout the day.
They require the water in order to keep their gills and their shells wet. Hermit crabs require both saltwater and freshwater in order to thrive. You will therefore need to supply both in their tank at all times. Remember to ensure that the freshwater is pure, or, if it is tap water, to leave it out for at least one day to help with the chlorine levels.
Do hermit crabs make noise?
Although we don’t tend to think of hermit crabs as being the noisy type, they do in fact make noises! They communicate with each other and even with us. It simply takes a trained ear to know what your little hermit crab is trying to tell you!
For the most part, hermit crabs make a sort of croaking or chirping noise. They usually do this when they are being disturbed. That can be when you are trying to move them around, touching them, etc. That is their very polite way of telling you to leave them alone!
In some cases, you may notice hermit crabs chirping towards one another. While some believe that this is merely their way of communicating with one another, others suggest that this is a form of aggression towards each other.
The truth is that you may be able to guess what your hermit crab is trying to tell you over the years by paying attention to their behavior and their needs. However, you should not necessarily be worried about hearing the noises that the hermit makes. It is perfectly natural for them to chirp. However, if they are chirping because you are picking them up, given that they generally do not like that, avoid picking them up when you do not have to!
Will hermit crabs kill snails?
Many tank owners naturally want to host a varied tank, including lots of different species. Some of the most common animals that people want to keep together are hermit crabs and snails. The two being shelled, relatively peaceful animals, they should live perfectly well together, right?
Generally speaking, hermit crabs and snails can live together. There have indeed been instances in which hermit crabs have eaten snails, but these instances can be avoidable. One of the main reasons that hermit crabs may eat crabs is because certain species of hermit crabs are great at eating dead or decaying matter. If they sense that the snails are dying, then they will eat them. While this is potentially a good way of keeping the tank clean, it can definitely be a bit distressing to look at!
However, hermit crabs will also eat snails if they become too hungry. If the hermit crabs do not have the right food source or at least the right amount, then they will scavenge for food, even eating their other tank members. Therefore, the best way of keeping hermit crabs and snails in the same tank is by ensuring that both of them have a good source of food, from the variety to the amount.
It would also be wise to keep extra shells in the tank to avoid the snails or the hermit crabs becoming territorial about the shells. Finally, having enough space for both is essential. While they are both relatively small creatures, they do need enough room to be able to thrive. If you are still concerned about hermit crabs and snails being in the same tank, then you can also opt for buying smaller hermit crabs, ones that will not necessarily be capable of taking on a live snail.
Will hermit crabs kill each other?
While hermit crabs are known for being peaceful creatures, they have also been known to be violent. Not only will they attack their prey or predators, but they will also attack each other when necessary. It does take a lot for a hermit crab to kill another of its kind; however, in some circumstances, it can happen.
Hermit crabs are territorial animals, and if there are too many of them in one place, then they will become violent towards one another. They may also fight to protect their own shells and food source. While they usually end their bickering with just a fight, hermit crabs have definitely been known to kill one another in extreme cases.
That being said, hermit crabs are definitely social animals, and they do well in company. In order for them to be able to live peacefully together, there are a few things that you will need to do. First, you will need to ensure that there is plenty of room in the tank for all of them. You will need a tank of at least five gallons of water for two hermit crabs.
If you have more than two hermit crabs, then you will need to calculate the amount of space that you require accordingly. You will also need to ensure that there is plenty of food for all of them so that they do not have to fight over the food or even eat one another. Finally, it is a good idea to keep extra shells in the tank, to ensure that they do not become territorial over the shells.
