Caribbean Land Hermit Crab

Coenobita clypeatus, the Caribbean Land Hermit Crab, is the most familiar land hermit crab in the North American pet trade. Native to the Caribbean coast, the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, and nearby islands, it inhabits sandy beaches, coastal scrub, and tropical forest margins, retreating to the sea only during larval release and moulting recovery.

In captivity, C. clypeatus requires a warm, humid terrarium with a deep burrowing substrate of moist sand or sand-coconut fibre mix. A colony of several individuals is preferable to singletons, as these crabs are social and exhibit communal moulting and shell-exchange behaviour. Offering a generous selection of empty shells in a range of sizes is non-negotiable — shell availability directly affects health and growth rate.

Diet should be varied and natural: dried fruit, coconut, dried shrimp, algae, leafy greens, and commercial hermit crab foods all contribute to good condition. Fresh and saltwater dishes must be provided simultaneously. Caribbean land hermit crabs are long-lived in good conditions and represent a rewarding long-term commitment for dedicated keepers.

Water: 23–28°C; two dishes required — fresh dechlorinated and marine salt water for osmoregulation. Tank: minimum 60 L terrarium; deep moist sand substrate for burrowing; 70–80% humidity; multiple hides and climbing structures. Feeding: omnivore — dried fruit, coconut, dried shrimp, algae, leafy greens, commercial hermit crab diet; varied daily. Breeding: larvae released into sea; captive breeding not achievable. Compatibility: social; keep in groups of 3 or more; do not mix with other crab species; provide ample spare shells.