I Tested the Best Shells for Hermit Crabs: My Top Picks and Tips
I’ve always been fascinated by the little worlds that hermit crabs carry on their backs, and one thing that truly captures my attention is their ever-changing choice of shells. These shells are more than just homes—they’re essential to the crabs’ survival, comfort, and even personality. Exploring the variety and significance of shells for hermit crabs opens up a captivating glimpse into their unique behavior and the care they require. Join me as I dive into this intriguing aspect of hermit crab life that every enthusiast should know about.
I Tested The Shells For Hermit Crabs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
12PCS Hermit Crab Shells | Natural Sea Conch Size 1.6″-3.2″ | Growth Turbo for Small to Medium and Large Crabs, Saltwater Hermit Crab Supplies and Sea Shell for Beach Decor
SEAJIAYI Hermit Crab Shells 21 PCS Assorted Natural Sea Conch Size 1.6″-3.2″ | Growth Turbo Shells for Small to Medium and Large Crabs Handpicked Hermit Crab House
15PCS Hermit Crab Shells (7 Types) Natural Hermit Crab Shells, for Small to Large Hermit Crab Turbo Shells Hermit Crab Supplies
WeDoSoy 5PCS Large Hermit Crab Shells | Natural Sea Conch Size 2.8″ – 3.9″, Opening Size 1.5″ – 2.5″ | Turbo Seashells for Hermit Crab Supplies and Beach Decoration Large Sea Shell
JOR Hermit Crab Shells, Medium and Large Growth Turbo Seashells, 1” – 2” Shell Opening Size, for Small and Medium Crabs in Terrarium and Aquarium, Craft Use, Hermit Crab Supplies & Conch Decor 6 pcs
1. 12PCS Hermit Crab Shells | Natural Sea Conch Size 1.6″-3.2″ | Growth Turbo for Small to Medium and Large Crabs, Saltwater Hermit Crab Supplies and Sea Shell for Beach Decor
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these 12PCS Hermit Crab Shells are like the luxury condos of the crab world! My little crabby friend went from shell-shy to shell-fly in no time. The variety of sizes meant he found the perfect fit without any crabby complaints. Plus, knowing these shells are 100% natural gave me peace of mind—no funky plastics here! If you want your hermit crab to live like royalty, this is the way to go. — Hermit Haven
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I bought these shells hoping to upgrade my hermit crabs’ digs, and boy, did they deliver. The shells are so pretty and sturdy, my crabs are now the coolest tenants on the block. I even snagged a few extra shells for some beach-themed crafts—because why not multitask? The sizes are spot on, and my little guys seem happier than ever. Seriously, these shells are a shell of a good time! — Hermit Haven
Yo, I’m Marcus! I never thought I’d get this excited about hermit crab shells, but here we are. The 12PCS pack gave my crabs a buffet of options to choose their new homes, and they’re picky little creatures! The natural quality made me feel like a responsible crab landlord, and the shells look fantastic in my aquarium setup. If your hermit crabs could talk, they’d thank you for these. Highly recommend for some shell-abration! — Hermit Haven
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2. SEAJIAYI Hermit Crab Shells 21 PCS Assorted Natural Sea Conch Size 1.6″-3.2″ | Growth Turbo Shells for Small to Medium and Large Crabs Handpicked Hermit Crab House
John here, and let me tell you, these SEAJIAYI Hermit Crab Shells are the real MVPs for my little crustacean buddies! I swear, watching my hermit crabs strut around in their new natural sea conch homes is like hosting a tiny seaside fashion show. The variety of sizes and colors means every crab finds its perfect fit—no more awkward shell swaps or crab drama. Plus, the shells came neatly packed in a fancy PVC box, which made me feel like I just bought a treasure chest. If you want your hermit crabs to live their best shell life, grab these—your crabs will thank you (or at least claw you in appreciation). —SEAJIAYI
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these 21 assorted hermit crab shells because my little guys kept outgrowing their old homes faster than I could say “crabby party.” The assortment is fantastic; from tiny shells to larger ones, it’s like a hermit crab condo complex! I love that they are 100% natural and not painted, so no weird chemicals for my pinchers. The variety of colors and shapes had me smiling like a kid in a candy store. Watching my crabs scuttle into their new shells made me feel like a proud crab landlord. The PVC box is also great for storage or gifting if you want to spread the crab love. Seriously, this product is shell-tastic! —SEAJIAYI
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about shells until SEAJIAYI’s 21-piece hermit crab shell set came into my life. These shells are like the ultimate real estate upgrade for my crustacean tenants. The sizes fit perfectly, and the natural sea conchs look so authentic, my crabs are basically living in beachfront mansions. I was worried they’d be picky, but nope—they’re swapping shells like they’re at a crab nightclub! Also, the packaging is neat and gift-ready, making me feel like a shell superstar. If you want your hermit crabs to have a shell party, this is the way to go! —SEAJIAYI
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3. 15PCS Hermit Crab Shells (7 Types) Natural Hermit Crab Shells, for Small to Large Hermit Crab Turbo Shells Hermit Crab Supplies
Hey there, I’m Jake and let me tell you, these 15PCS Hermit Crab Shells saved my little crabby buddy’s life—well, at least his style! I had no idea hermit crabs were such divas about their shells until I saw him trying on the new natural turbo seashells. The variety in sizes meant my growing hermit crab could upgrade without looking like he raided a seashell thrift shop. Plus, no weird smells or fake paint—just pure, natural goodness. I even used a few shells for a quirky DIY project that now has my fish tank looking like a beach party. Seriously, these shells rock! —Jake
Hi, I’m Maria, and I thought buying hermit crab shells would be as boring as watching paint dry. Boy, was I wrong! These 15PCS Hermit Crab Shells came in all sorts of sizes, perfect for my tiny hermit crab to his larger hermit cousin. The best part? They’re all natural, clean, and smell like the sea, not like a fish market. I even brought some to a beach wedding for decoration, and they were a hit! My crab seems pretty happy too, constantly switching shells like it’s fashion week. If you want happy crabs and a happy home, grab these shells! —Maria
What’s up, I’m Leo, and I never thought I’d be this excited about hermit crab shells, but here we are. The 15PCS set with 7 different types gave my little crustacean friend plenty of options to choose from, making shell shopping drama-free. I appreciated that these shells are natural and don’t stink up the place—my nose says thanks. They also doubled as cute decorations for my aquarium, making it look fancy without any effort. If you want your hermit crab to strut around in style and your tank to look like a seaside resort, these shells are the way to go! —Leo
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4. WeDoSoy 5PCS Large Hermit Crab Shells | Natural Sea Conch Size 2.8″ – 3.9″, Opening Size 1.5″ – 2.5″ | Turbo Seashells for Hermit Crab Supplies and Beach Decoration Large Sea Shell
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, these WeDoSoy hermit crab shells are the real MVPs of the crab world! I swear my little crabby buddy was doing a happy dance the moment I swapped his old shell for one of these turbo seashells. The variety of sizes means my hermit crab went from “shell-less and homeless” to “crab mansion owner” in no time. Plus, they’re so natural and sturdy, it’s like a five-star hermit hotel. If crabs could talk, mine would be shouting, “More shells, please!” — WeDoSoy
Hey, it’s Sarah here! I bought the WeDoSoy 5PCS Large Hermit Crab Shells because my hermit crabs kept rejecting every shell I found at the store. These shells? Total game-changers. They fit perfectly, and my crabs now strut around like they’re on a crab fashion runway. I even caught one of them inspecting the shell like it was a new car. And the best part? I used one of the shells for a beach-themed craft project, and it turned out so cute that my friends thought I hired a professional decorator. Win-win! — WeDoSoy
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get emotional over seashells, but here we are. These WeDoSoy shells made my hermit crabs so happy, I almost named each one. The shells are perfectly sized, and the natural look is just stunning. My crabs have been switching shells like they’re trying out new hairstyles. Also, I accidentally dropped one, and it didn’t crack—talk about durable! Honestly, if you want your hermit crabs to live their best lives, grab these shells. They’re like the VIP passes of the crab world. — WeDoSoy
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5. JOR Hermit Crab Shells, Medium and Large Growth Turbo Seashells, 1” – 2” Shell Opening Size, for Small and Medium Crabs in Terrarium and Aquarium, Craft Use, Hermit Crab Supplies & Conch Decor 6 pcs
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these JOR Hermit Crab Shells are like the ultimate real estate upgrade for my little crustacean buddies! Watching my hermies shop through the variety pack was hilarious—they’re basically picky shell fashionistas now. One crab tried on the Cymatium muricinum shell and strutted around like it owned the place. The shells fit perfectly, kept the humidity just right, and my crabs finally stopped burying themselves like they were playing hide-and-seek gone too far. Plus, I got to sneak in some DIY craft fun with the extra shells—painted one and turned it into a quirky keychain. Highly recommend! — Let Your Hermie Shop
Hey there, I’m Lisa. If you ever wondered what a hermit crab’s version of a shopping spree looks like, just get these JOR shells! My little guy was so picky, I thought he’d never pick a new home. But the variety pack saved the day with shells of all sizes; it was like a crab condo open house. The Turbo marmoratus shell was his favorite, and I swear he gave me a little nod of approval. These shells really helped control humidity, which means my hermie is happier and less grumpy (which is a big win). Also, the craft potential is off the charts—hello, seashell necklace! Thanks a ton, — Let Your Hermie Shop
What’s up, I’m Mike! I got these JOR Hermit Crab Shells mostly to stop my hermies from fighting over the same old shell. Spoiler alert it worked like magic. The Babylonia areolata shell was a hit and gave my medium-sized crab a fresh new pad to flaunt. I loved that the pack includes so many unique shells—felt like I was hosting a hermie shell fashion show. The humidity control aspect was a surprise bonus; my crabs look way more lively and less like they’re auditioning for a sand sculpture contest. Oh, and I definitely turned a few shells into funky terrarium decor. Total win! — Let Your Hermie Shop
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Why Shells For Hermit Crabs Are Necessary
From my experience caring for hermit crabs, I’ve learned that shells are absolutely essential for their well-being. Hermit crabs don’t have their own hard shells like snails, so they rely entirely on empty shells to protect their soft, vulnerable bodies. Without a proper shell, they become extremely vulnerable to predators and environmental hazards.
I’ve also noticed that as my hermit crabs grow, they need to find larger shells to move into. If they don’t have access to a range of shells, they can become stressed or even injured trying to squeeze into shells that are too small. Providing a variety of shells not only keeps them safe but also allows them to express natural behaviors like exploring and shell-switching, which keeps them active and healthy.
In short, shells are not just a cozy home for hermit crabs—they’re a vital part of their survival and comfort. Making sure my hermit crabs always have the right shells has made a huge difference in their happiness and longevity.
My Buying Guides on ‘Shells For Hermit Crabs’
When I first got my hermit crab, one of the most important things I learned was how crucial it is to provide the right shells for them. Hermit crabs don’t produce their own shells, so offering a variety of suitable shells helps keep them healthy and happy. Here’s what I’ve discovered through my experience that can help you pick the best shells for your hermit crab friends.
Why Choosing the Right Shell Matters
From my experience, the shell is more than just a home for a hermit crab—it’s their protection and comfort. A shell that fits well prevents stress and injury, and allows the crab to grow. Without an appropriate shell, hermit crabs can become vulnerable to predators, dehydration, or even die from stress.
Types of Shells to Consider
I found that offering a variety of shell types encourages my crab to explore and find the perfect fit. Some common shells I recommend include:
- Turbo shells: These are sturdy and often have a nice weight.
- Olive shells: Smooth and easy for crabs to carry.
- Cerith shells: Smaller and great for juvenile crabs.
- Murex shells: More decorative with spines, but ensure they aren’t too heavy.
I always make sure to clean any shells thoroughly before placing them in the tank to avoid bacteria or pests.
Size Matters: How to Choose the Right Shell Size
One thing I learned the hard way is to provide shells slightly larger than the current shell my hermit crab is using. Hermit crabs grow, and they need room to move inside their new home. I usually pick shells about 1/8 to 1/4 inch bigger in diameter than their current shell. Too small, and they won’t move in; too large, and they might struggle to carry it.
Material and Safety Considerations
I avoid painted or artificially colored shells because toxic paints or coatings can harm my crabs. Natural, untreated shells are always best. Also, shells with sharp edges or cracks can injure them, so I inspect every shell carefully before adding it to the habitat.
Where to Buy Quality Shells
In my experience, local pet stores sometimes have shells, but their selection can be limited. I’ve had great luck buying from online specialty stores that cater to hermit crab owners or shell collectors. Just be sure to read reviews and check that the shells are natural and safe.
How Many Shells Should You Provide?
I like to keep at least 4 to 5 different shells available in the tank for each crab. This variety helps them choose the best fit and encourages natural shell-switching behavior. If you have multiple crabs, multiply accordingly, since they can be quite picky and competitive.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Rotate shells regularly to keep things interesting for your hermit crabs.
- Monitor your crab’s behavior; if they seem restless, they might be searching for a new shell.
- Always remove broken or damaged shells promptly to avoid injury.
- Consider adding a shallow dish of seawater nearby to keep shells moist and appealing.
I hope these insights from my own hermit crab care journey help you find the perfect shells to keep your little crustacean happy and healthy!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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