There are two types of land hermit crabs typically sold in the U.S. The most common are of the species Coenobita clypeatus which are native to the Caribbean Area. Known as "purple-pinchers," they are red, peach, purple, or dark maroon in color with a distinctive large purple claw and round eyes. You can find pictures of this species on other pages of this website.

The second is of the species Coenobita compressus and are commonly known as Ecuadorian hermit crabs. They are native to the west coast of the Americas and sometimes change colors after a molt. Ecuadorian hermit crabs are orange, brown, green, or gray and have elongated eyes that are distinctively darker than their lighter-colored eyestalks. The picture to the right is of a hermit crab of this species.

Ecuadorian crabs need access to BOTH saltwater and freshwater, so if you keep this species of crab, you will need to keep two water dishes in the cage. They need this saltwater in order to metabolize and fully digest their food. Most pet stores sell Instant Ocean, a brand of sea salt that can be mixed with freshwater to recreate the trace elements found in the sea. Follow the directions on the box for proper mixing (1/2 cup salt per gallon of freshwater). Do not use table salt in place of buying Instant Ocean. Table salt has ions that are dangerous to a hermit crab.

"Purple-pincher" hermit crabs, on the other hand, only need access to freshwater. However, they will enjoy a treat of saltwater if it is provided. It is recommended that you provide your crabs with both if possible.

Eddie, a cute Ecuadorian, MUST
have acceess to BOTH saltwater
and freshwater in order to
metabolize his food and live
through the molting process.