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Yes, the hermit crab remains in it's (outer) sea shell/home when it molts. However, when the hermit crab molts it sheds it's old exoskeleton much like a snake sheds it's skin, pushing the old exoskeleton out of the sea shell, and forms a new exoskeleton. The new exoskeleton is soft at first and takes time to harden. The hermit crab's "tail and belly" section remains soft and vulnerable requiring a hard outer shell/sea shell for protection.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoNO. the hermit crab does not die, all it is doing is getting rid of its skin that is too small for it. Kind of like when a snake sheds its skin. Molting can take a lot out of a hermit crab, so if you notice that your hermit crab is being inactive after a recent molt, it is perfectly fine, and he will return to normal within the next few days. SHOULD I THROW OUT THE OLD MOLT? The answer is no. The hermit crab may eat the old molt because it contains a lot of nutrients.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoIn most cases, no. That may not be the cause for some hermit crabs, however.
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Are hermit crabs invertebrates or vertebrates?
Invertebrates, because they need to molt to grow. Hermit crabs molt underground and can stay there for weeks to months to learn more about molting please follow the link below this answer. Thanks ;)
How do hermit crabs stay in their shells?
because they have 2 legs inside their shell to hold on to the shell
How do hermit crabs grow?
Whenever they molt, they get bigger. People dont know how fast exactly, but many times a year.
Do hermit crabs fall out of their shells when they die?
no they do not fall out their shells they will just simply stay in their shells and if u dont see them moving at all their dead
Are hermit crabs born with a shell?
yes they do becuse if they dont the part that goes in the shell is very tender and soft and can get dameged very easy so its good to have difernt sized empty shells in the cage so the crab can change the shells when needed
Why are your hermit crabs burrowing?
your hermit crabs are burrowing because they are about to molt. hermit crabs have exoskeletons so they have to molt or shed their exoskeleton to grow. so they dig underground to do that because hermies are vunrable they will stay underground to weeks to months NEVER dig them up. you know if they are dead if you smell rotting egg.
How often do hermit crabs molt?
I have 6 hermits. Once they decide to change shells, they do it very quickly. They are vunerable without the protection of their shell. I have 7 hermits. I have seen 4 of them change.It would probobly take about 10 seconds.
Hermit crab not eating?
It depends on how long he's not been eating. When hermit crabs molt, they won't eat or be very active. They will climb into a hiding place and stay there for a couple days.
Why do hermit crabs stay out of shell?
maybe because u dont have enough shells in their cage and it outgrew the one it had on
Why is my hermit crab's eyes white?
Your hermit crab is pink because it just molted. hermit crabs are vertibrates which means they need to molt to grow. hermit crabs burrow underground to molt and stay their for a week to months.
What does it mean if your hermit crab come out of its shell and won't go back in?
Hermit crabs are nocturnal, so it sounds like your hermit must have gone to sleep. Mine has slept for a week, once! If you get home and you find your hermit crab out of it's shell and looking see-through, then it has molted. Hermits usually molt on their 'birthday' but stay in their shells a while prior to molting.
Do hermit crabs have to stay underwater all of its life?
nope! most people own hermit crabs and have them in tanks with sand.
