What is a hermit crab?

The hermit crab is a type of crab that doesn’t have a very hard shell. Since its shell is not strong enough, it uses old shells of other animals for protection, especially that of old whelk. This habit of living in a second-hand shell gives rise to the popular name ‘hermit’ crab. Most hermit crab species live on the ocean floor, though there are many that live on land. Female terrestrial hermit crabs must return to the sea to breed. Hermit crabs are invertebrates, omnivores, and scavengers.