Animal Profiles
Crustaceans

Hermit Crab

Anomura (hermit-crab lineages; chiefly Paguroidea and Coenobitoidea)

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Hermit crabs use empty shells for protection. This account follows the Caribbean land hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus), whose adults live on land near the sea.

Coenobita clypeatus, the representative described in this account.

Coenobita clypeatus, the representative described in this account.

Daniel Kraft · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Caribbean land hermit crabs use humid coastal environments.
Habitat
Coast, Wetlands
Diet
Omnivore
Food
These crabs eat varied plant and animal material.

Classification

Common name
Hermit Crab
Browse group
Crustaceans
Scientific name or taxon
Anomura (hermit-crab lineages; chiefly Paguroidea and Coenobitoidea)
Source classification
Malacostraca

Three things to know

  • It borrows an empty snail shell.
  • Adults live mainly on land.
  • The life cycle includes marine larvae.

Habitat and range

Caribbean land hermit crabs use humid coastal environments. Shoreline access remains important because their reproductive cycle includes larvae released into seawater.

Appearance and adaptations

A soft, curved abdomen fits inside a borrowed snail shell. The hard front body, claws and specialised gripping appendages help the crab hold and protect that shelter.

Diet and behaviour

These crabs eat varied plant and animal material. As they grow, larger shells may be needed. Adults keep their gill chambers moist even while moving and feeding on land.

Sources

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