Hermit crabs find new homes in plastic waste: Shell shortage or clever choice? The crustaceans are making the most of what they find on the seafloor.

A hermit crab’s shell is a source of protection, especially for the animal’s soft abdomen. Some crabs can be pickier than others when selecting their temporary home.

Annika Wallace, 11, of Westfield said she had a hermit crab at home and was hoping to learn more about them at the library. Her grandmother Karen Gladwin said Annika bought the hermit crab at Petco.