The Varieties & Species of Hermit Crabs

There are several varieties and species of hermit crabs. Hermit crabs belong to the family Paguroidea, which includes over 1,100 species of crustaceans. Here are a few examples of different types of hermit crabs:

1. Caribbean hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus) – This is one of the most common species of hermit crabs kept as pets. They are native to the Caribbean and can grow up to 6 inches in length.
2. Strawberry hermit crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus) – This species of hermit crab is named for its bright red coloration, which resembles a strawberry. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Anomuran hermit crab (Allopetrolisthes spinifrons) – This species of hermit crab is found in the Pacific Ocean and is unique in that it has a hard exoskeleton instead of a soft one like most other hermit crabs.
4. Porcelain hermit crab (Dardanus porcellana) – This species of hermit crab is found in the Mediterranean Sea and has a distinctive porcelain-like shell that is covered in small bumps.
5. Pygmy hermit crab (Calcinus laevimanus) – This tiny species of hermit crab only grows to be about 1 inch in length and is found in the Western Atlantic.

These are just a few examples of the many varieties and species of hermit crabs that exist.

Where can you find each one of them?

• The Caribbean hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus) is native to the Caribbean region, including areas such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. They are also found in parts of Central and South America, including Belize, Honduras, Colombia, and Venezuela. Caribbean hermit crabs are often kept as pets and are popular due to their colorful appearance and active behavior.
• The Strawberry hermit crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus) is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes areas such as the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western and central Pacific Ocean. Their range extends from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Central America. The Strawberry hermit crab is a popular species of hermit crab for aquarium enthusiasts due to its bright red coloration, which resembles a strawberry, and its active behavior.
• The Anomuran hermit crab (Allopetrolisthes spinifrons) is commonly found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters off the coast of Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. They are typically found in rocky intertidal zones and are known for their unique hard exoskeleton, which sets them apart from most other hermit crabs.
• The Porcelain hermit crab (Dardanus porcellana) is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the western and central portions of the sea. They are typically found in shallow waters, usually at depths of less than 20 meters, and are known for their distinctive porcelain-like shell, which is covered in small bumps.
• The Pygmy hermit crab (Calcinus laevimanus) is commonly found in the Western Atlantic, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They are typically found in shallow waters, usually at depths of less than 30 meters, and are known for their small size, usually growing to be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. The Pygmy hermit crab feeds on a variety of small marine organisms, such as algae, plankton, and small crustaceans.

Different Species, Common Traits

All hermit crabs share some common traits even though they may belong to different species. Here are some examples of common traits that most hermit crabs share:

1. They have a soft, asymmetrical abdomen that they protect by using an empty snail shell or other object as a protective shell.
2. They have ten legs, including two large claws or pincers that they use for defense and to grip onto objects.
3. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic matter, including decaying plant and animal material.
4. They are primarily found in marine or aquatic environments, although some species may also inhabit land or freshwater habitats.
5. They have a complex mating system, where males and females must engage in a courtship ritual before mating.
6. They have a hard exoskeleton that they must periodically shed as they grow.

Of course, there are also many differences between different species of hermit crabs, such as their size, habitat, and feeding behavior.