The Shell Gallery
A curated collection of natural shells for hermit crabs. Every shell here is ethically sourced, never painted, and chosen for the comfort and safety of your crabs.
Green Turbo
The workhorse of hermit crab shells. Round opening, sturdy construction, and widely available. A favorite of Caribbean hermit crabs for their perfect weight-to-protection ratio.
Silver Turbo
A sleek, metallic-looking turbo shell with a pearlescent interior. Slightly heavier than the green variety but prized for its durability and smooth inner surface.
Magpie Pica
Beautifully patterned with dark and light bands. Pica shells have a wider opening that many crabs prefer, especially larger species like C. perlatus.
Tiger Pica
Striking tiger-stripe pattern makes this shell a collector favorite. The elongated shape provides excellent protection and is especially loved by strawberry hermit crabs.
Japanese Babylonia
Delicate spiral pattern with a polished surface. Lightweight and perfectly shaped for smaller crabs. The smooth interior makes shell changes quick and easy.
Spotted Babylonia
Covered in distinctive brown spots on a cream background. A favorite of small, shy crabs like Mochi who appreciate the narrow opening for added security.
Apple Murex
Ornate spined shell with a dramatic silhouette. The apple murex is heavier than most shells but provides exceptional protection. Only the boldest crabs choose this one.
Lace Murex
Intricate frilled edges give this shell its lace-like appearance. Extremely rare in the right sizes for hermit crabs. Captain Claw has been eyeing one for months.
Why Natural Shells Matter
Painted shells are one of the biggest dangers to hermit crabs. The paint chips and flakes as the crab moves, and many crabs will eat these chips — ingesting toxic chemicals that can cause organ damage and death. Even “non-toxic” craft paints seal the shell surface, preventing the crab from properly regulating moisture inside.
Beyond paint, shells coated in lacquer, glitter, or resin create a slippery interior that makes it difficult for the crab to grip and hold on. This can cause the crab to fall out of its shell — a life-threatening situation for an animal whose soft abdomen is completely unprotected.
Always choose natural, unpainted shells. Your crabs will thank you.