Will Hermit Crabs Die If ....

[webdizzy]

I have several blue-legged hermits for which I've provided various sized empty shells to move into as they grow. At this point, enough have grown to the point of inhabitting all of the largest shells. Why would happen if I don't put any more larger shells in? Will they die? Or just stop growing? Also, how big can they get?

 

[DustinB]

I believe they will starting killing each other for larger shells. http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Empty-Hermit-Crab-Shells--50_p_498.html

 

[webdizzy]

I believe they will starting killing each other for larger shells. http://www.saltwaterfish.com/Empty-Hermit-Crab-Shells--50_p_498.html

But what if there aren't any larger shells, inhabited or not? The reason I ask is that I have several hermits that have gotten as large as I want them to. If I can control their size by the size shells that I make available, I won't add any more larger ones. Otherwise, I'll find them a new home.

 

[mscarpena]

It will be a death match and you will end up with one hermit.

 

[cpittmx]

I believe the question from OP is does the size of the shell limit growth. So say he is down to only one hermit and there is no more death matches will that hermit only get as big as his shell allows?

 

[webdizzy]

I believe the question from OP is does the size of the shell limit growth. So say he is down to only one hermit and there is no more death matches will that hermit only get as big as his shell allows?

Yes! That is the question!

 

[jchase1970]

No, they will continue to grow and he will be hanging farther out of his shell. But they grow slower the bigger the get. There is a limit to how big any type of hermit gets and blues are the smaller ones.