Hermit Crab Butts Are Heinous

[mudplayerx]

I just bought about 20 empty shells today at the lfs for $2.00 and dumped them into the tank. I wanted to watch the hermits examine them, and didn't feel like waiting so I just picked up a few and put them by the shells.
They immediately started examining the shells. Two of the crabs actually switched over to new shells. I saw this action and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. I have the blue-legged variety, so I do not know if this is restricted to this subspecies: Their butts are absolutely disgusting. Near the ends they have clusters of small, orange-brown orbs.
I can only guess that these orbs aid in the crabs' ability to wedge itself into the shell. Thank God these little buggers stay in their shells 99% of the time. I've been less grossed out by roadkill.

 

[teresaq]

I just got 15 empty shell from lsf too, (free), and it was very funny watching the crabs looking over all the new homes.

 

[tizzo]

I have never had the opportunity to see the rear end. Every time mine change shells they pull the empty one so close that the openings of each are touching. Then when they fall back apart the hermits in the other shell.

 

[snipe]

They are ugly the only reason I know is cause I bought mine from an online vender "e

[hr]
b

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a

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y" and I paid for extra stuff to keep them alive and he didnt add it and they died and were out of there shells in the bag. $20 ill never see again stupid moron!
Sorry guys not you the vendor.

 

[knots]

You could have at least gotten a picture for all of us that have never seen a hermit crab butt before.:thinking:

 

[betacrash]

Dude, I totally agree. They look way gross. I have a very large crab so it is even more detailed for me. He's got this bright red spongy thing. I would prefer to not see it anymore. I think that they make the switch so fast because they know how ugly their a**** [edit, please watch the language] are.

 

[ophiura]

Not the best pic but an idea:
http://www.mov.vic.gov.au/crust/mov1709i.html

 

[rubberduck]

wierd

 

[knots]

Thanks for the picture. Kind of sorry I asked.

 

[puffer32]

:scared: :scared: :scared: :hilarious

I saw my sons land hermit crabs butts before, thought they were pretty funny, but really got a laugh when it did some sorta butt scootchy to get that ugly rear in another shell