Hermit Crabs Keep Ditching Their Shells

[euphoria]

Hey guys,
Every day I keep seeing more of my hermit crab shells empty (and their bodies nowhere to be found). Why is this happening? My water params are great, and all my other inverts and fish are doing great.
Also, I don't think they are leaving to search for bigger shells, cuz their shells are already big enough for them. Plus there are not too many big empty shells in the tank for them to decide to get out of the small ones and get into the big ones.
I don't know what's causing this, but it sucks

 

[brownleaf]

My blue hermit dose the same thing, they fight each other for the shell.

 

[euphoria]

I agree, but if they fight, one of them's got to win and have the bigger shell right? So where's THAT guy?

 

[brownleaf]

you will know when you got one left.

 

[euphoria]

By the way, since you are architect, are you familiar with Brunelesci's (spelling?) dome?

 

[brownleaf]

The Dome of Florence, I think, (Brunelleschi's Dome). It's been a long long time since my last architecture history test :notsure: I think it was the largest dome w/ lightist structure around the time whenit was built.
I should of study more cuz I love every thing Italian

 

[euphoria]

Originally posted by Brownleaf
The Dome of Florence, I think, (Brunelleschi's Dome). It's been a long long time since my last architecture history test :notsure: I think it was the largest dome w/ lightist structure around the time whenit was built.
I should of study more cuz I love every thing Italian

Yep, you are right. It's amazing what the guy built back then. I'm marveled at renaissance art and architecture.

 

[brownleaf]

I'll say :jumping:
but only one little thing, the dome was considered Gothic style. than again it was almost end of Gothic and begining of Renaissance.

 

[saltymom]

Hey. I was just reading this thread..and was wondering, Euphoria, do you have plenty "extra" shells in the aquarium? Because Hermits LOVE to try on new shells whether they actually need them or not. Also, they dont leave thier shells to search for a new one..They find one they want, then they leave thier shell and get right into the next one. Wondering around the tank shelless would would b committing suicide for them! If hermits are walking around without thier shells, something is really wrong. All sizes and shapes of shells keep them happy and will also curb fighting for each others shells. Also, if the shells you have already have alot of sand or rocks inside them, they wont stay in them, because the grit irritates thier bodies and they will move out. Its kind of like having a rock in your shoe. If youre going to keep hermits, you really have to have lots of shells, like I said, in all sizes for them to move in and out of, regaurdless of if you think the ones they have are big enough or not. They may have other ideas! lol If the shell they are in is too big, that will also leave them vaulnerable.