What is a "hermit crab"?

A hermit crab is a small crustacean that lives in the ocean and has a soft, asymmetrical abdomen protected by a borrowed shell. The hermit crab is known for its habit of finding and using empty shells of other animals as a protective home. As the crab grows, it must search for larger shells to accommodate its size. Hermit crabs are scavengers and feed on a variety of foods such as algae, small invertebrates, and decaying matter. They are commonly found in coastal areas and are known for their unique behavior of changing shells as they grow.