Hermit crabs are small crustaceans that are known for their unique habit of living in discarded shells. Unlike other crabs, they do not have a hard shell of their own; instead, they find and occupy empty shells from snails or other marine animals. This behavior helps protect their soft bodies from predators and environmental hazards. These creatures are primarily found in coastal areas and can be terrestrial or marine. Hermit crabs are social animals, often living in groups, and they communicate through various behaviors. They are also scavengers, feeding on detritus, algae, and decaying plant matter.