How do hermit crabs survive when kept as pets with no water?

Question

As a kid I had two hermit crabs. They lived for about a year before I found them out of their shells, dead, on the same day. Of course they had a dish of freshwater, and were fed hermit crab food, but I thought they had gills? How did they survive?

Answer 1

Well they should have a reptile water dish and they need saltwater too. They like to have more friends too.

Answer 2

they were land hermit crabs.

not every crab lives in water

Answer 3

It depends on the hermit crabs environment how long they will last.

Answer 4

They have modified gills that allow them to breath moisture in the air. this is why land hermit crabs need high humidity.

They can survive if kept in proper conditions.