The Land Hermit Crab only lives in the water as a larva and later adapts to life on land. But what are the demands of these quirky crabs when kept by humans? Find out the most important information in this article.

Appearance: Recognise a Land Hermit Crab from these characteristics

The appearance of the Land Hermit Crab (Coenobitidae) varies depending on the species. However, they all have five pairs of legs and a body divided into three segments.

The different sized claws – also known as pincers – are found on the front legs. The left claws are always larger than the right-hand pincers. They help crabs to ingest food or defend themselves. They use the middle legs for walking and the rear legs fix the shell.

With their mandibles (mouth parts), they can also ingest food and clean their pairs of antennae, which are found on the head together with their eyes.

Very popular: The Ruggie Hermit Crab

One of the smallest and most popular species is the Coenobita rugosus, also known as the Ruggie Hermit Crab. This crab is found in different colours with brown, red or violet accents.

However, you can find other animals in black, blue, pink or white. Their striped, spotted claws and small legs are usually bright red. In contrast, other species have no stripes on their claws.

How big do Land Hermit Crabs get?

Whilst the C. rugosus only reaches around 1.2cm in size, other species like the C. brevimanus reach up to 16cm in length.

Behaviour: Nocturnal but loving crabs

Land Hermit Crabs are considered very friendly and sociable. As a result, you should never keep a Land Hermit Crab on its own, but always with other crabs. A group of around three to five animals is recommended.

Socialisation with other animals

Your crabs shouldn’t have contact with other animals. Some crab species of the same size from the Coenobita genus are suitable for socialisation with the Land Hermit Crab.

Take enough time for your crabs – they will get used to you little by little. Most even then eat from the hands of their owners. When they are especially happy, they will let you know with a chirp that comes from rubbing their pincers.

Behaviour during shedding

During shedding, a Land Hermit Crab sometimes does not leave its shell for several months. During this time, it sheds its old chitin shell and gradually forms new layers. In the process, it feeds off its old exoskeleton, which contains vital nutrients.

Origin: Where do Land Hermit Crabs come from?

As you may already have guessed, Land Hermit Crabs live in or close to the sea in subtropical and tropical zones (e.g. islands in the Indo-Pacific). Along with salt water, they also need to be close to bodies of freshwater for their drinking requirements.

When female crabs lay eggs in the sea, the larvae hatch immediately. Throughout several larvae stages, they develop into small crabs looking for a suitable shell.

They then live on the land rather than in the sea. They seek shelter in the day in caves and the like and awaken at night.

Conclusion: Are Land Hermit Crabs suitable pets?

All in all, Land Hermit Crabs are interesting pets that you can keep even as a first-time owner. If you read up on the subject, you can become a true pro in no time and give your crabs a life as species-appropriate as possible.

Land Hermit Crab profile

  • Name: Land Hermit Crab, scientific name Coenobitidae
  • Body length: 2 – 16cm depending on the species
  • Terrarium: plenty of sand, shallow bodies of water, provide freshwater and salt water, minimum size 80 x 40 x 40cm
  • Air temperature: 26 – 28°C throughout the day, no less than 21°C at night
  • Air humidity: 70-90%
  • Food: Omnivores
  • Rearing: Group rearing, approx. 3-5 animals
  • Difficulty level: suitable for beginners

Source: Zooplus