About Stacy Griffith Wodicker
I’m the owner of The Crab Street Journal and President of the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS). I’ve kept land hermit crabs as pets since 2003—but more importantly, I’ve spent the last two decades working to change how they are understood, cared for, and valued.
Why I Do This Work
Like many people, I started with the same misinformation most hermit crab owners are given—that they are easy, disposable pets that can survive in small tanks with minimal care.
That’s not true.
Hermit crabs are complex animals with specific biological needs. When those needs aren’t met, the result is preventable suffering, failed molts, and short lifespans.
Everything I do is built on one goal:
To replace guesswork and tradition with care based on biology.
What Makes This Work Different
Before resources like CSJ existed, most hermit crab care advice was borrowed from other animals or based on anecdotal experience.
That approach doesn’t work.
I’ve spent years researching and cross-referencing available scientific data, field observations, and long-term captive care outcomes to build resources that reflect what hermit crabs actually need—not what’s convenient or commonly accepted.
This includes developing one of the most comprehensive hermit crab food databases available, where every item is evaluated for its potential toxicity to invertebrates.
The Work Behind the Scenes
The Crab Street Journal is just one part of a larger body of work I’ve built to support hermit crab education and conservation:
• CoenobitaSpecies.com — A dedicated species reference focused on accurate identification and species-level information for land hermit crabs
• AllThingsCrabby.com — My personal blog, where I share long-term experiences, observations, and deeper dives into care topics
• LHCOS (Land Hermit Crab Owners Society) — A nonprofit focused on education, advocacy, adoption, and conservation
Together, these platforms allow me to approach hermit crab care from multiple angles—scientific reference, practical care guidance, and real-world experience.
My Role in the Community
As President of LHCOS, I lead initiatives focused on:
• Education rooted in science
• Advocacy against harmful industry practices
• Supporting adoption over impulse purchasing
• Promoting conservation and captive breeding efforts
Through LHCOS and collaboration with initiatives like Crab Con and Hermit House, we work to reduce reliance on wild-caught hermit crabs and improve outcomes for those already in captivity.
What I Believe
Hermit crab care shouldn’t be complicated—but it does need to be correct.
I believe:
• Ethical care starts with understanding biology
• “Common practice” is often the biggest problem
• Small changes in care can mean the difference between survival and long-term health
• Education is the most effective form of advocacy
About This Site
The Crab Street Journal exists to provide clear, accurate, and practical information for hermit crab keepers at every stage.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining an advanced setup, the goal is the same:
Help you make informed decisions that lead to healthier, longer-lived hermit crabs.
Where to Start
If you’re here, you’re already looking for better information. Here’s where to go next:
Start with the basics
Learn what hermit crabs actually need to survive and thrive.
Improve your care
Explore detailed guides on habitat, nutrition, molting, shells, and long-term health.
Identify your species correctly
Use my dedicated species reference to understand what you’re actually keeping.
Go deeper with real-world experience
Read long-term observations, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Get the complete guide
Everything you need to understand and apply proper care in one place.