Why is your hermit crab white when dead?

That's a very interesting observation! You're right, hermit crabs often appear white when they die. However, it's not because they actually turn white. It's actually due to a combination of factors:

* Loss of Pigmentation: The vibrant colors of a hermit crab's shell come from pigments embedded in the chitinous exoskeleton. These pigments can fade or break down after death, leaving the shell looking pale or white.

* Dehydration: As a hermit crab dehydrates after death, its body shrinks. This can cause the shell to appear larger and whiter in comparison.

* Exposure: When a hermit crab dies, its exoskeleton is no longer protected by the living animal. This makes it more susceptible to environmental factors like sunlight and humidity, which can further bleach the shell.

So, while a dead hermit crab may look white, it's not a change in color. It's rather a combination of the shell's natural color fading, dehydration, and exposure that creates the appearance of whiteness.