Caribbean Hermit Crab Facts and Care Tips
The Caribbean Hermit Crab is the most popular type of hermit crab pet in the U.S. Other names include the Purple Pincher, Tree Crab and Soldier Crab, and it’s scientific name is Coenobita Clypeatus. These small land crustaceans are quirky and fun to watch as they climb and explore and interact with other hermit crabs. If you’re interested in adopting a few Caribbean hermit crabs, here are important facts and tips on how to properly care for these uniquely fantastic little pets.
Caribbean Hermit Crab Basics
Caribbean hermit crabs are a type of land hermit crab that is native to the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America, and can also be found in The Florida Keys and along some stretches of coastline in the southern part of Florida.
In the wild, Caribbean hermit crabs can be found along the beach especially at night. During the day they will most often burrow into sand or be seen clinging to a tree branch. They live in mangrove and foresty areas and always close to an ocean or body of saltwater.
Caribbean hermit crabs are scavengers, so they feed on all kinds of foods including fruits, vegetables, meats and nuts and grains. In captivity, it’s important to offer them a wide diet that includes a mixture of these foods, as well as ocean-related foods like shrimp, crab, fish and seaweed.
Choosing a Caribbean Hermit Crab
Caring for Caribbean Hermit Crabs
Temperature and humidity levels
Temperature and humidity are important, because they live in sub-tropical environments in the wild. Keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent: Caribbean hermit crabs need a warm and humid environment to thrive, with temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of 70-80%.
Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor these levels and adjust as needed. These parameters CAN vary throughout the seasons as long as they match a typical day in the Florida Keys!
Find tips and tricks on keeping your Caribbean hermit crabs warm and happy, here: Do Hermit Crabs Need Heat?
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Water is Crucial to Survival
Food and Nutrition
Offer your Caribbean hermit crabs a wide varied diet and they’ll be so happy. No, really, your hermit crabs will actually get EXCITED when you put new foods in like popcorn, coconut, mango and other foods they may not eat fresh or often.
Hermit crabs LOVE fresh foods, but they will ALSO get bored with the same foods all the time. The trick is to feed them lots of different fresh, healthy (not seasoned, not processed) foods daily.
Tip: if YOU eat healthy, simply save a few small pieces to feed to your hermit crabs! Salad greens, meats, veggies, fruits, nuts and grains. Here are more ideas on what to feed them in my post “Hermit Crab Food and Nutrition” here.
Keep the Crabitat Clean and Sanitary!
A common question people ask before adopting hermit crabs as
pets is… DO HERMIT CRABS SMELL BAD?
Answer: hermit crabs DO NOT HAVE AN ODOR. However, if
there’s a bad smell, it’s because something in the enclosure isn’t clean or
sanitary.
Fresh water should be changed every day. Saltwater bowls
should be refilled every few days.
Substrate should be changed at least 2-3 times per year, the
smaller the enclosure the more important it is to change
frequently.
Remove uneaten food and debris daily and keep food dish(es)
clean.
See my post “Hermit Crab
Poop” which has tips on keeping Crabitats clean and healthy.
Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API