Hermit Crab Lifespan: How Long Do Hermit Crabs Live?

Contrary to widespread belief, hermit crabs live a long time. The natural life span of hermit crabs is longer than that of pet hermit crabs bought from pet stores. Many crustaceans can live for surprisingly long periods. For example, did you know that the oldest lobster lived to a reported 140 years old? We’ll dig into just how long hermit crabs live and strategies for caring for hermit crabs to extend their lifespans!

How Long Do Hermit Crabs Live?

The wild hermit crab has a life expectancy of 30 years if it is allowed to remain in its native habitat. In fact, the world’s oldest hermit crabs can live past 40 years old. One hermit crab at a Florida retirement community—named Jonathan Livingston—reached an incredible 44 years old before he passed away in 2021. As with other crustaceans like lobsters, the energy required to molt at advanced ages becomes too great and is a leading cause of death in older hermit crabs.

Yet, while we just cited some of the advanced ages hermit crabs can reach—especially in the wild—most hermit crabs in captivity live just a few months to a matter of years. When comparing the lifespans of wild and captive hermit crabs, there are a variety of factors at play. Keep reading to learn more.

Common Causes of Pet Hermit Crab Death

Careless handling of captive hermit crabs results in high mortality. To properly appreciate the risks of owning these crabs as pets, it is important to understand the factors that affect a hermit crab’s lifetime.

The deaths of hermit crabs in captivity have several potential causes. The good news is that they can be avoided. Some of the factors include:

• Stress: Hermit crabs might die from the trauma of being rehomed.
• Hydration: Hermit crabs need to remain properly hydrated, even when they are out of the water. Additionally, they require both salt and freshwater to survive.
• Toxicity: Ingesting paint chippings, inhaling fumes, or drinking contaminated tap water.
• Drowning: Although hermit crabs require water, they also need to be able to leave the water. If they’re unable to climb out, then they may drown.
• Suffocation: Hermit crabs can suffocate if the humidity levels in their environment drop too low.
• Infection: Infections caused by bacteria from an unsanitary tank can cause death in hermit crabs.
• Animal Attacks: Hermit crabs can die if they are attacked by another crab or another animal.
• Falls/Trauma: A fall while climbing out of the tank or trauma from careless handling can also injure a hermit crab.

Common Causes Of Hermit Crab Death In The Wild

Hermit crabs in the wild can survive for several decades. They can live for up to 40 years, according to research. However, there are certain factors that can affect their longevity in the wild.

Predators

Hermit crabs are low on the food chain. Fish and octopi prey on hermit crabs. Adult hermit crabs spend more time on land. This reduces the risk of exposure to marine predators. Larger crabs often eat hermit crabs. Birds may also swoop and pluck an exposed hermit crab

The best way a hermit crab can protect itself is to blend in with its surroundings. It will retreat into its protective shell, hoping that no predators will be able to get through. Hermit crabs may sacrifice their limbs to flee, but luckily, these limbs can regrow.

Wild Hermit Crab Environmental Factors

Hermit crabs are susceptible to environmental variables as well as natural predators. During times of high tide, drowning is a possibility. Hermit crabs will hide in their burrows to prevent this. The hermit crab, on the other hand, will run out of breath if it is caught in the act.

However, the issue of waste is far more serious. It’s common for hermit crabs to seek out new homes. Journal of Hazardous Materials reports that hermit crabs frequently find their way into plastic bottles. They then die because of their inability to exit these vessels.

Should You Keep a Hermit Crab as a Pet?

Hermit Crabs are neither “starter pets” nor “ornaments,” and they should not be purchased as such. They should be kept away from small children and pets if purchased. Crabs are highly intelligent and empathetic creatures that flourish in nature. If you do purchase a hermit crab, then it’s important to provide them with appropriate care and to understand that it may have a short lifespan in captivity, as it may struggle to adapt and survive.