Why Hermit Crabs Are Always Changing Shells on Panama's Beaches
- Cari Mackey
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The idea of a new roof over your head, a new place to call home, and a change of scenery brings with it a sense of hope, stability, and excitement too. New towels, rugs, art to hang, definitely a new chair. Generally speaking, a new house is a necessity because you've outgrown one and need more space. It's a bit of a vicious cycle because not matter what, we always fill that extra space and eventually need more! Then, we have to clean and care for it so we start thinking about downsizing...the conundrums of life.
Hermit crabs are totally down with your struggle.
We call someone without a home; homeless so what do we call a crab without a shell? A hermit crab! These small, curious creatures scurrying across the beach are quite entertaining and cute too. They dart from place to place and then just as you approach, they freeze and tuck into their shell mid-stride sometimes causing them to take a big fall or roll down a steep embankment. Humans fault.
Unlike most crabs, hermit crabs are not born with a hard protective shell. The front half of their body is armored with a tough exoskeleton and pincers while the back half is soft, curved and vulnerable to predators. Honestly, it's really weird looking.
To protect themselves from predators like all the beautiful sea birds and chubby humans that step on them, they move into shells that have been vacated by snails and sometimes even really weird objects - like trash that they fit into on the beach. This is one of the many reasons to avoid taking shells from the beach - it could be some sweet little creatures future home!
Much like the starter home you grew out of, hermit crabs do the same and have to find a larger home to move into but unlike humans, they get to try it on for size, move in and take it for a spin before making the commitment.
Much like a NYC apartment, new shells are surprisingly scarce on the beaches so the competition can be pretty fierce. On our snorkeling adventure, the island we visit is covered with more hermit crabs per inch than any other beach in the world (I have no idea if that's true) so it's quite fun to watch them or even race them. I promise that no crab gets hurt in the process.
I know you are wondering what are they doing all day other than training for tomorrow's race? What purpose do they serve in nature? Great question: They are another one of natures hard working janitors; they keep our beaches clean by scavenging for dead and decaying organic matter - especially fish that wash up on the beach which would otherwise spread disease and most certainly produce a disgusting smell that Princessa our dog would love to roll in.
All this talk about a change of scenery likely gets you thinking about where to spend your beach time, holiday time, vacation time, and hermit crab racing time. Choose us! Choose us! Better yet, simply send me an email with your flights, so we can create the best adventure experience of your lives. We will take care of ALL the details so you can focus on working hard for that dream home.
With love from Panama, Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and hosts
