An In-Depth Look of Hermit Land Crabs – How to Take Care of Them Properly
Have you ever wondered why hermit crabs are called hermit crabs? Actually, they get their names because they borrow dead creatures snails to live in much like hermits that reside alone in caves.
They are very easy to take care of because they don’t require an additional cost for their food. In fact, they can eat whatever food their owners consume. For that reason, the pets are, no doubt, unusual to own but interesting too. Hermit crabs are quite active and can spread joy.
Two Types Of Hermit Land Crabs
In the United States, there are two types of hermit land crabs and they are:
- Coenobita Compressus (also known as the Ecuadorian Crab)
- Hermit Land Crabs (also named the Caribbean Crab/solider crab)
In other areas of the world, it’s not uncommon for hermit crab owners to keep a strawberry land hermit crab or the Australian land hermit crab as pets.
What To Look For Before You Purchase A Hermit Crab
If you desire to own these creatures as pets, you can obtain them from a local pet store. However, be sure you look for five important things before your purchase.
- Be sure that the crabs you choose have all of its legs; they should have three full pairs of legs.
- Look at the shell and ensure that there’s been no damage to the head and thorax.
- Make sure there are no bugs or parasites on them.
- Ensure the crab you choose is lively and active; if you notice any hermit crabs that are dull or lethargic, this means they are sick… avoid these.
- If you’ve already got some but are looking to add more, make sure you get the same sized crabs so that they don’t fight.
Careful Care Of Your Hermit Land Crab
When you choose to take care of a hermit land crab, you must understand that they require additional care and attention than other pets you may own. After all, their habitat must be controlled perfectly for humidity and temperature. Make sure you read all you can about the proper care for hermit land crabs so that you know exactly what care you must give it. It’s vital you have this information before you bring your hermit land crabs home.
A Look At Caribbean Hermit Crabs
If you decide to own a Caribbean hermit crab, you must know what will keep them thriving. Understand that this crab can live close to 30 years but it must have a habitat temperature of 24 degrees Celsius with a humidity level of 70 to 78 percent.
Here are six aspects that will help keep your hermit land crabs happy and thriving:
- Maintain the habitat’s temperature, usually between 70 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Provide them with lighting of up to 12 hours a day.
- Be sure the habitat and its surroundings are fresh and the air is clean.
- Make sure they have a well balanced diet that includes calcium supplements.
- Give them salt and fresh water sources.
- Have the habitat have a humidity of 73 to 85 percent.
If you’re goal is to have a hermit land crab for years to come, you must ensure that it’s got a habitat that will keep them thriving and happy. Remember to have them socialize with other hermit land crabs and give them an environment that will allow them to survive the molting stage.



