There could be a few reasons why your hermit crabs are killing your snails:
- Competition for food: Hermit crabs and snails both consume similar types of food, such as algae and decaying matter. If there is not enough food to go around, the hermit crabs may attack and kill the snails to eliminate competition.
- Shell competition: Hermit crabs need shells to protect their soft bodies, and they sometimes attack and kill snails to take over their shells. If the hermit crabs in your aquarium are not provided with enough suitable shells, they may resort to attacking the snails.
- Aggressive behavior: Some species of hermit crabs can be aggressive towards other tank inhabitants, including snails. If the hermit crabs in your aquarium are particularly aggressive, they may attack and kill the snails without any clear reason.
To prevent your hermit crabs from killing your snails, you can try the following:
- Ensure there is enough food for all the creatures in your aquarium.
- Provide your hermit crabs with a variety of suitable shells to choose from.
- Observe the behavior of your hermit crabs and remove any particularly aggressive individuals from the tank.