Close

Enter a search request and press enter. Press Esc or the X to close.

Life in a Tide Pool

Fin-tastic Activities

Discover Hermit Crabs

In the sandy tide pools located in tropical climates lives a soft-bodied species encased in shells. The creatures in question are hermit crabs. Hermit crabs require shells to protect themselves. They have adapted hook-shaped tails and strong legs to keep inside the shells which were designed and created by other sea creatures. When the hermit crab outgrows the shell that it has inhabited since its last molt, they will try to find a new one, or if the timing is right, they will line up on the beach with other increasingly larger hermit crabs and make a quick trade. One of the greatest threats to these little crabs is a lack of suitable shells. Each shell that tourists take home from the beach means one less for potential hermit crab habitation.

More Ways to Explore

Learn more about tide pools and the creatures that call them home at the Ocean Conservancy Webpage.  

*External links are provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement by LLPA nor is LLPA responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site.

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive the latest news, upcoming events, and special offers!

I Accept

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website and you agree to our Privacy Policy.

loading
Skip to content