How to get rid of Hermit Crab mites?

How to get a hermit crab to leave its shell?

• Hi. I'm designing an experiment for my marine biology class. Specifically, I hope to examine what characteristics hermit crab prefer in a shell (and ideally, why), but to do that, I need to be able to convince, or at worst, coerce a hermit crab to leave its current shell, hopefully without hurting or distressing it too much. I would greatly appreciate any ideas on how to gently coax a hermit crab out of its shell. Thank you very much.

• Answer:

  Choose shells that have round openings for the crab. Try to find shells that have only one opening, and if there are more holes in the shell make sure they aren't near the crab's abdomen. Measure the crab's largest claw. Take care not to frighten the crab, but get a general measurement of the claw. Find a shell that is slightly larger than the claw, with enough room for the claw to fit slightly inside the shell to protect the crab. Seek shells that have a mother of pearl lining, which hermit crabs refer to a rougher and less comfortable lining. Leave out a selection of shells of different sizes and weights. Keep shells of slightly different shapes as well in order to give the hermit crab enough selection to choose from. Give the crab privacy when he begins inspecting shells. Leave the room dark and quiet, in order to keep the crab calm enough to leave his shell and enter another one.