There are over 800 species of hermit crabs, most of which are marine. Of the many that roam the land, typically only two species are sold as pets. Below is a brief description of some common land hermit crab species.
1. COENOBITA CLYPEATUS - Known as "purple-pinchers," this hermit crab species is native to the Carribean Area and is most frequently sold as pets. They are known for their large purple claw, but are found in shades of peach, red, or dark purple. They can be found up to 100 miles from the coastline and do not require access to saltwater.
2. COENOBITA COMPRESSUS - Known also as "Ecuadorians," these energetic hermit crabs are found along the West Coast of the Americas. Typically a light tan in color with elongated eyes, these hermit crabs must have access to both freshwater and saltwater in order to properly metabolize food.
3. COENOBITA PERLATUS - Known also as "Strawberry" hermit crabs, these bright red cuties are native to Australia and are protected by regulations which prevent their capture.
4. COENOBITA CAVIPES - Commonly found in East Africa, this vivacious species is a handsome dark-chocolate, deep green-blue color.
If you suspect that your hermit crab is not of the first two first species listed above, I encourage you to please contact me for more information regarding their proper care at hermitcrabhappy@hotmail.com. Please put "Hermit Crab Species" in the subject line.
1. COENOBITA CLYPEATUS - Known as "purple-pinchers," this hermit crab species is native to the Carribean Area and is most frequently sold as pets. They are known for their large purple claw, but are found in shades of peach, red, or dark purple. They can be found up to 100 miles from the coastline and do not require access to saltwater.
2. COENOBITA COMPRESSUS - Known also as "Ecuadorians," these energetic hermit crabs are found along the West Coast of the Americas. Typically a light tan in color with elongated eyes, these hermit crabs must have access to both freshwater and saltwater in order to properly metabolize food.
3. COENOBITA PERLATUS - Known also as "Strawberry" hermit crabs, these bright red cuties are native to Australia and are protected by regulations which prevent their capture.
4. COENOBITA CAVIPES - Commonly found in East Africa, this vivacious species is a handsome dark-chocolate, deep green-blue color.
If you suspect that your hermit crab is not of the first two first species listed above, I encourage you to please contact me for more information regarding their proper care at hermitcrabhappy@hotmail.com. Please put "Hermit Crab Species" in the subject line.
What an assortment of species! This picture contains at least one of each of the four species discussed on this page. Can you identify who is who?
