Hermit crabs are omnivores and thus they consume both animal and plants matter. However, in captivity they can also rely on some fresh fruits to make up their diet. One can feed hermit crabs with some commercial diets which are readily available in the market. These crabs fancy eating diverse materials especially in captivity.
What do Hermit Crabs Eat
In the wild, hermit crabs act as opportunistic feeders as they eat anything they find near water. They will feed on small invertebrates along with some fish. These crabs also consume leaf litter, fallen fruits, grasses, plants, decaying wood, and worms and plankton. At times, they are also observed to eat their own poop. Hermit crabs can be fed with a variety of commercial and fresh fruits:
- Bananas
- Melons
- Papaya
- Coconut
- Grapes
- Apples
- Mango
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Applesauce
- Spinach
- Carrot
- Brine shrimp
- Plain rice cakes
- Frozen dried shrimp along with eggs and meats
- Crackers
- Broccoli
- Peanut butter
- Peeled grapes
- Cereals and breads
- Shredded lettuce
- Fruit medley
- Guava fruit dessert
- Chiquita bananas
- Watercress
- Fresh vegetables (NOT starchy veg like potatoes)
Hermit crabs must need an adequate supply of calcium all the time as it helps them during molting. Therefore, one should offer them following foods to make sure crabs got what they need.
- Crushed oyster shell is highly recommended as it provides the maximum utility for calcium.
- Crabs can also be fed with boiled eggs, dry eggs, as well as crushed egg shells.
- Their diet can be supplemented with coral sand.
Hermit Crabs Do Not Eat…!
Hermit crabs like to stay in fresh and salt water. Some of them drink fresh water while others will take bathe in salt water. They also eat algae and debris. NEVER feed your land hermit crabs with seasoned foods:
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Bay leaves
- Table salt
- Dill
- Onion
- Thyme
- Lemon
- Onion
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