Can Hermit Crabs Drown? Everything You Need to Know
Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures that balance life between land and water. They may spend time near the shoreline in the wild, dipping into pools of water before returning to land. But for new owners, a big question often arises: Can hermit crabs drown?
The answer is yes-they can drown if their environment isn’t set up correctly. Understanding how hermit crabs breathe and their unique water needs will help you keep them safe and healthy.
How Do Hermit Crabs Breathe?
Hermit crabs don’t breathe like humans or fish. Instead, they use modified gills that allow them to extract oxygen from humid air.
- If their gills dry out, they suffocate.
- If they are submerged in water too long, they run out of oxygen and drown.
This delicate balance means hermit crabs need both moisture and access to air at all times.
Can Hermit Crabs Drown in Water?
Yes, hermit crabs can drown if they cannot escape from deep water. In nature, they usually climb out of shallow pools easily. In captivity, however, if you provide a deep dish of water with steep sides, your hermit crab may get trapped and drown.
🔗 Hermit crab keepers often discuss drowning risks in forums like Hermit Crab Association and Reddit’s hermit crab community.
How to Prevent Drowning in Hermit Crabs
Fortunately, preventing drowning is simple if you design your crabitat properly.
1. Provide Shallow Water Dishes
Offer both freshwater and saltwater pools, but keep them shallow enough so your hermit crabs can climb out safely.
2. Add Climbing Aids
Place rocks, shells, or ramps inside the water dish to act as escape routes.
3. Right Depth for Soaking
Water should be deep enough for your crab to submerge and refill its shell, but not so deep that it risks being stuck.
4. Keep Water Clean
Dirty or chemically treated water can also harm your crabs. Always use dechlorinated water and replace it regularly.
👉 For a beginner-friendly guide to hermit crab care, check out our article: Hermit Crab Care for Beginners.
Do Hermit Crabs Need to Soak?
Yes. Soaking is natural and necessary for hermit crabs. It helps them:
- Hydrate their gills for proper breathing
- Refill their shells with water
- Prepare for molting by storing extra moisture
The key is to give them water that’s safe, shallow, and easy to exit.
Signs Your Hermit Crab May Be in Trouble
If a hermit crab spends too much time underwater without climbing out, it may show signs of stress:
- Weak or sluggish movement
- Staying outside its shell
- Struggling to climb
If you suspect your crab has been submerged too long, gently remove it, pat it dry with a paper towel, and return it to a safe, humid environment.
FAQs About Hermit Crabs and Drowning
How long can hermit crabs survive underwater?
Most hermit crabs can survive underwater for a few minutes to several hours, depending on their size and health. Eventually, they will drown without air. This discussion on Reddit provides real crab owners’ experiences.
Can hermit crabs survive in sink water?
Not safely. Tap water often contains chlorine and heavy metals that harm hermit crabs. Always use dechlorinated water or bottled spring water.
Why did my hermit crab drown?
The most common reason is a deep water dish with no escape route. Hermit crabs need rocks, shells, or ramps to climb out.
Do hermit crabs need to submerge in water?
Yes. Submerging allows hermit crabs to hydrate and refill their shells. Just make sure the dish is safe for climbing.
Conclusion
So, can hermit crabs drown? Unfortunately, yes. But the good news is that drowning is entirely preventable. By providing shallow water dishes, safe climbing aids, and clean, dechlorinated water, you can create a habitat where your hermit crabs thrive.
Hermit crabs are hardy pets when cared for properly-and with the right setup, they’ll live happily for years to come.
