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Home: Articles
Painted Shells
 Q.
What are your feelings on painted shells, does this hurt them
in any way I have searched archives and can not find factual
info on this?
I much prefer painted shells that do not have any paint
inside the shell, limited to a pretty image painted on the
top. I have seen and heard of far too many hermit crabs who
do not like the shells that were dipped in paint, and I often
worry about the effects this paint inside the shell will have
on their health. There are some problems with build up of
lacquer around the opening, or obstruction by parts that are
stuck on (like mouse tails, etc). The important thing is that
the paint is 'fixed' with a safe 'fixant' or 'sealer' which
most of the commercial shells are. I once painted some seashells
as a craft activity with some students and the paint washed
off in the water. Although it was non toxic acrylic paint
I couldn't see it doing the hermit crabs any good.
I much prefer looking to nature for beautiful seashells.
There are SO many types of seashells that are breathtakingly
beautiful and unique. Some are a little expensive, but well
worth it I believe. Some of my favourite shells are:
Turbo Petholatus
Just one look and you can tell why this shell is so popular.
The detailed stripes and swirls of colour really are a marvel.
Not only are they pretty, but they are the 'shell of choice'
for many hermit crabs due to the roomy interior which is lined
with a pearly nacre which is gentle on their abdomens.
Phasianella australis
Phasianella australis is sometimes called 'painted lady'.
A very pretty shell which is very popular with Australian
and Ecuadorian/Pacific hermit crabs.
 Babylonia
Shells
Babylonia shells have natural markings on them which I
think look just as pretty as the painted shells. The best
thing is that hermit crabs love them! They are light, roomy
and have the perfect opening shape to match most chelipeds.
The photo to the right is of a type of babylonia shell
known as Babylonia areolata austraoceanensis.
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