What size crabs to get?

[hermitcrab24]

Hello,
So I am confused on what size crabs to get. On some sites it says to get two crabs that are the same size so one can't bully the other. On another site it said to get two different size crabs to prevent shell fights. Does size even matter?

Thanks,
Bonnie

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Nope. Even if the same size you can prevent shell fights by having a lot of extra shells in the tank in different sizes. Some the same size, some a little bigger and some a little smaller. If by chance there is a shell fight, dunk them both in fresh water and put them on opposite sides of the tank. Keep an eye on them for a bit and an ear out for chirping. Then be sure to provide several more shells like the one the second crab was trying to steal.

[hermitcrab24]

Thank you!! I was so confused on what sizes to get!!

[KellyCrabbieLove]

You're very welcome. My favorites are larges and up with some exceptions. The gentle giants are so sweet.

[hermitcrab24]

I know! You would think it be the opposite, but the bigger ones seem to be so much sweeter!

[KellyCrabbieLove]

They've seen it all, no reason to freak out over little things.

[wodesorel]

Just keep in mind that hermits do grow, and they grow extremely quickly. If you're not starting out with a big tank and there aren't plans upgrade their home as they get bigger, stick with the smallest ones you can find which will give you a few more years before they too large. Even the smallest of hermits will outgrow a 10 gallon within the first 5 years!

[hermitcrab24]

I got 2 small ones