Even land hermit crabs must return to the sea to breed. The female crab discharges her eggs into the sea. Larvae develop in the sea before they change into miniature hermit crabs, find a shell to protect themselves, and clamber out on to the land. The new larger exoskeleton grows underneath and needs to time to harden and protect them. The two claws of hermit crabs are different sizes.
Hermit crabs have a varied diet.
They often scavenge around for rotting food, both in the sea and on land. If land hermit crabs are kept in captivity the pet shop owner should advise of their food and upkeep needs. If hermit crabs that are live in the sea are to be kept, they need a properly set-up marine aquarium. Some hermit crabs that live in the sea, regularly give a lift to sea anemones and other animals on their shells. Sometimes a ragworm will live inside the snail shell with the hermit crab.