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Besides the use of the shells of other animals hermit crabs have many other adaptations.

Land hermit crabs have developed modified gills that allow them to live on land. They use the humidity in the air to breath and their shell water to lubricate their gills.

Hermit crabs have one small feeding claw and one large defence claw. When retreating into their shell the defence claw seals the opening protecting the hermit crab inside.

The defence claw can also be used in dominance displays towards other crabs. Or to scare off small prey. It has a powerful pinch and a hermit crab will hold on until they feel safe once more.

Because land hermit crabs moult they have the ability to regenerate damaged or missing body parts. Legs, claws, anteni, eyes can all be regrown in one or two moults depending on the health of the animal.

They have a strong sense of smell. they can detect food from distances away. They like to try new foods every day and can remember the smell of a previous meal.

Land hermit crabs have adapted to live in large colonies. The safety in numbers helps defend them against predators. They will also find food together.

Hermit crabs are scavengers and will rarely eat live food. This adaptation lets them scour the beaches or ocean floor and enjoy the left overs of other animals. They will eat both animal and plant matter.

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16y ago

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