Infographic

Hermit Crab: Facts, Habitat, Diet

All you need to know about this soft-bodied crustacean

Text by: Nisarg Prakash Design by: Diviya Mehra

Updated June 11, 2026

Text by: Nisarg Prakash Design by: Diviya Mehra

Updated June 11, 2026

1 min read

All you need to know about this soft-bodied crustacean

What is the scientific name of the hermit crab?

Belong to the superfamily Paguroidea

What is the lifespan of the hermit crab?

Some species live up to 40 years in captivity

What is the diet of the hermit crab?

Dead animal matter, algae, small mussels and clams

About the Authors

Nisarg Prakash

is a wildlife biologist working with Roundglass Sustain. A large part of my work before Sustain has been along streams and rivers, in the process trying to understand otters better

Diviya Mehra

is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.