A hermit crab has 7 basic body parts: A tail, lower legs, eyes, antennae, jointed legs, large pincher, and a small pincher. The entire head and thorax is covered with an exoskeleton. The tail and lower legs of the hermit crab are soft and requite protection-which they get from their hard shell.

The crab's large pincher is the defense and climbing claw. The small pincher is for feeding and climbing. Jointed legs are used for climbing and walking, and the lower legs hold on to the shell.

There are 4 antennaes all together. 2 short, and 2 long. They are sense organs for hearing and smelling.

The gills on a crab are located near the pinchers and legs, and MUST be kept moist for the crab to survive.