You little hermie crabs come in a variety of beautiful, vibrant colors, particularly marine species, which range in color from bright yellow, blue to scarlet and are chosen for reef tanks largely for their appearance as well as for their habits. of feeding. However, it is natural for hermit crab shells to turn white and set off alarm bells in most owners’ heads, although luckily most of the time this is not too serious and can be treated quite easily.
As you all probably know, you hermies are born without a shell of your own and consequently spend a lot of time searching for and moving into the discarded shells of other creatures, such as sea snails, which you can call your own. Now, snail shells naturally contain a high level of calcium bicarbonate and any drop in these levels will cause them to appear discolored and eventually turn white. Hermie shell discoloration can also be caused by excessive exposure to salt, which acts like bleach. This is a natural occurrence for snail shells that have been submerged for long periods in the ocean or even on shore and washed away by waves and is not a cause for concern as your little hermie is likely to jump out of shell to shell numerous times. occasions and may well opt for a more colorful home next time.
When your hermie’s shell begins to turn white in a reef tank is a different matter and points to your crab definitely being deficient in calcium and possibly magnesium. Since hermits are omnivores, like us humans, they need a well-balanced diet of meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables to function efficiently. A calcium deficiency can cause them to become mushy and it is important that the owner supplement their hermie’s diet with foods rich in calcium, such as cuttlefish and sea biscuits. Cuttlebone can be easily found in the poultry section of any decent pet store and can be grated and added to food, plus you can buy commercially prepared Hermie foods that contain all the necessary supplements, including calcium and magnesium.
When a crab moults, it normally eats its nutrient-rich exoskeleton, but sometimes part of it is discarded and left on the surface. It tends to look pale and faded, and many new owners have mistaken this discarded fur for their hermie’s shell beginning to turn white and have feared the worst: that their beloved hermie has, in fact, died. In fact, it’s probably curled up in the snail’s shell, recovering from its molt.
So, I hope you’ve stopped worrying so much about the color of your hermie’s shell. He is a demanding little creature, after all, and will often fight to the death in his search for the perfect home, regardless of color. Hermit crab shells turning white is no big deal and can be controlled by supplementing their diet with calcium-rich foods, so relax and have fun with your new friends.