Caribbean hermit crab
ExploreInvertebrate
Caribbean hermit crab
Coenobita clypeatus
The Caribbean hermit crab is a small crab that loves to live in shells. They are fun to watch as they scuttle around and change shells when they grow bigger!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Caribbean hermit crab has a reddish-brown to orange body and striking purple or bluish claws, with one noticeably larger. Its eyes are on short stalks, peeking out from its often mottled or banded shell, which it carries for protection.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderDecapodaFamilyCoenobitidaeGenusCoenobita
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If a hermit crab loses a leg, it can impressively grow a brand new one back!
Their stalked eyes allow them to see almost 360 degrees around them for safety!
They have specialized gills to breathe air, letting them live mostly on land!
When finding a new home, they sometimes form 'vacancy chains' to swap shells!
Special abilities
Ability
Mobile Home
Caribbean hermit crab can carry an empty snail shell that helps them protect their soft abdomen from predators.
Ability
Giant Claw Shield
Caribbean hermit crab has one oversized claw that helps them block the entrance to their shell, acting like a door.
Ability
Shell Swapper
Caribbean hermit crab can regularly find and switch into larger, more comfortable shells as they grow bigger.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1-6 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.08 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
- Top Speed
- 0.1 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-4
- Gestation
- 25-40 days
Diet & Feeding
These crabs eat almost anything they find, from plants to tiny creatures and scraps!
Primary Foods
- algae
- decaying plants
- small insects
- fallen fruit
- carrion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Florida Rocksnail
Stramonita haemastoma
Uses their empty shells as protective homes.
eaten by
Black rat
Rattus rattus
Coastal rats will prey on them, especially smaller ones.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons forage along beaches and prey on them.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
Land hermit crab
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and don’t pick them up too much, as they can get scared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Caribbean hermit crab?
1-6 cm
How much does Caribbean hermit crab weigh?
0.005-0.08 kg
How long does Caribbean hermit crab live?
5-15 years
How fast can Caribbean hermit crab move?
0.1 km/h
What does Caribbean hermit crab eat?
These crabs eat almost anything they find, from plants to tiny creatures and scraps!
Where is Caribbean hermit crab usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Caribbean hermit crab hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Caribbean hermit crab usually have?
1-4
Snap Map
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