Caribbean Hermit Crab

Coenobita clypeatus

The Caribbean hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus), often sold as the purple pincher hermit crab, is a land hermit crab native to Caribbean and western Atlantic coastal areas. It has a soft abdomen protected inside a borrowed snail shell, strong claws with one larger purple-toned claw in many adults, and gills that still require humid air. Although it lives on land as an adult, its life cycle depends on the sea because larvae develop in salt water before young crabs move ashore.

Pet Caribbean hermit crabs are frequently underestimated. They need warm humid enclosures, deep sand and soil for safe molting, both fresh and marine saltwater pools, spare natural shells in several sizes, climbing surfaces, and a varied diet with plant and animal foods. Painted shells, dry cages, shallow substrate, and forced handling cause serious welfare problems. Most animals in trade have historically been wild collected because captive breeding is difficult. Responsible keepers plan for long lives, maintain stable humidity, and avoid buying crabs as short-term novelties.