Can I put those painted shell hermit crabs in my saltwater tank?

Answer 1

No, those are land crabs! They will drown. There are several species of AQUATIC hermit crabs for saltwater aquariums, including some such as Dardanus species which get as large as land hermits if that is what you are looking for. There are also small blue leg and scarlet hermits which are sold in the aquatic section of pet stores. These are aquatic hermits that live their entire life underwater. This is what you want to put into an aquarium.

Answer 2

Saltwater Hermit Crab Shells

Answer 3

Saltwater Aquarium Crabs

Answer 4

Are you asking about the shells, or the hermits themselves? If you are asking about the shells, I would go with the person who has already answered no. The shells aren't meant to be in water, so there is probably little consideration (if any) given to what is used in the paint production.

If you're asking about the animals, probably not. There are differences between the hermit crab species. Some will live in saltwater all their life and are a part of the "cleanup crew" of any marine aquarium. Blue-legged and scarlets are probably two of the more popular ones. These will change shells (and kill a snail or two in the process, sometimes), but they could be offered a painted shell ONLY if the paints were 100% NONTOXIC. I've never seen this done, so I doubt this is what you have (and if anyone reads this and decides to try it commercially, if it works and is safe, I want part of the profits! I can prove my identity and will have a date on my answer!)

I think what you have are the terrestrial hermits - the kind you see in pet stores on sand. The do live part of their lives in the ocean (except for Ecuadoran, which are totally inland), but only from the egg stage to about 3-4 months of age when they become air-breathing. They have gills, which need to be kept moistened by bathing and high humidity, but prolonged soaking can cause them to drown. See the websites below for more info!

Answer 5

No, you can not. The hermits with painted shells are land hermit crabs. That means they only live on land, and will drown in the salt water. Land hermit crabs need a pool of salt water to drink from, but it should be no deeper than a quarter of an inch. Otherwise they may drown. Also, they need a stick to get out of the water too, so they dont get too wet.

If you want hermits that can go in your tank, most petcos are starting to stock them, and they cost from $2.00 to $4.75 depending on species and size. The saltwater hermits are much funner to wach and more amusing, not to mention less expensive.

Dont buy painted shell hermits anyway, even though they are 'prettier' to look at, its animal cruelty. The shells are almost always painted when the hermit is inside. The fumes from the paint can kill them, or the paint can dry and trap the hermit inside. The paint can also chip off and they can eat it, killing them because of the chemicals.

Normal shells can be just as beautiful, if not more, so check that out before you get a land hermit.

Answer 6

I put 3 I got from NJ into my salt water tank with no problems. Hermits will live for years in a salt tank. The paint is normally a water safe paint.

Answer 7

No, 1st that poor land crab will drown, 2nd that paint tends to be on the toxic side.

Answer 8

No. Hermit crabs are not like out normal beach crabs

Answer 9

Yes you can. Most Hermits come from and live fine in salt water. They make a good clean up crew as well. If you have live rock, be careful they do not attack any pollyps or soft corals you have.

Be sure if the store where you bought them, which they usually do due to the crab themselves, used aqua safe paints.

Also, if they are true hermits, they will be fine.
They will be fine.

Answer 10

I would not recommend it the paint may , and most likely is, toxic. It could harm your fish