We've bought a couple of those at the beach before. Finally decided it wasn't worth having a pet if you couldn't tell if it was alive or dead...
LOL! Tap them on the big pincher and you'll know for sure!
Actually, I've learned so much about the little critters now that I can tell you that...
A) the sand in their tank needs to be 3 inches deeper than the largest crab to allow them to bury themselves for molting,
B) they need at least 3 shells to choose from when they feel like switching,
C) the thermometer and hydrometer (humidity meter) in the tank should both be maintained at 80,
D) they should be bathed once a week, fully submerged for 2 minutes (no longer, they'll drown),
E) they need both fresh and salt water, as well as some form of calcium (sand dollars, coral, calci-sand), with their food in order to stay healthy.
Need I go on? ~snicker~
All kidding aside, I love these fellas. Saw one switch shells tonight and I was thrilled!
The jury is in. I have no life.