One sunny afternoon, deep beneath the shimmering waves, a little hermit crab named Cray was preparing for a big change. Today was the day—he needed to find a bigger shell! His old home, a snug but now too-tight spiral, no longer fit his growing body. His legs felt cramped, and his back peeked out from the edges. It was time to move.
The gentle ocean current swayed the seaweed back and forth, creating a soothing dance of green ribbons. Tiny fish darted past, and a curious seahorse watched as Cray scuttled across the sandy seafloor.
“Looking for a new home?” the seahorse asked, tilting his head.
Cray nodded. “Yep! But it’s not easy. The shell has to be just the right size—not too big, not too small!”
Finding a new shell was tricky business. Too small, and he’d be in the same uncomfortable position as before. Too big, and he wouldn’t be able to carry it properly. Cray needed something just right.
He searched among the scattered shells, poking his claws into a few that seemed promising. The first one was too tiny—his legs stuck out awkwardly. The second was so heavy that he could barely drag it. The third one had a tiny hole in it, which meant water would seep in, making it unsafe.
Then, just as he was about to give up, he spotted something near a rock. A beautiful, smooth shell with just the right shape! Cray scuttled closer and examined it carefully. It looked strong, and the opening seemed to match his size.
“Only one way to find out,” he murmured.
With a deep breath, he backed out of his old shell, feeling exposed for just a moment. He quickly wiggled into the new one, testing the fit. It felt… perfect! Snug but roomy enough for him to grow.
Excited, Cray gripped the shell with his tail, where a special hook helped him hold on. He gave it a little shake—it was steady.
“Nice choice!” the seahorse said, twirling in the water.
Cray grinned. “Thanks! Now I just need to find a tide pool to wet my gills, and I’ll be all set.”
With his brand-new home on his back, he set off toward a nearby rock pool, already thinking about the next time he would outgrow his shell. But for now, he was happy, snug, and ready for new adventures.
Animalstories 