Land Hermit Crab

Coenobita clypeatus is the most commonly kept land hermit crab, native to the Caribbean coast. It is a social, interactive animal that lives in a borrowed shell and needs both freshwater and marine saltwater for drinking and bathing. Given the right humid, spacious environment it can live for decades and will become increasingly interactive over time.

Water: 22–28°C ambient, pH 7.5–8.5; provide freshwater and saltwater dishes deep enough to submerge. Tank: Minimum 40L terrarium with 10cm+ sandy substrate, climbing décor, and humidity above 70%. Feeding: Varied diet of fruit, dried fish, nuts, coconut, and calcium-rich shell supplements. Behaviour: Sociable; best kept in groups; moults periodically and requires undisturbed hiding spots. Compatibility: Keep in species-only groups; not compatible with aquatic species.