Did you know that there are over 800 species of hermit crabs? This is mind-blowing considering that there are only a handful of popular hermit crab species. However, as a hermit crab lover, it’s fun to explore the different types of species that are available. In this article, let’s highlight five of the most popular hermit crab species.
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Types of Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are not always crabs but are nonetheless crustaceans. Crustaceans are organisms without backbones but have an exoskeleton that helps the organism to locomote. These organisms originate from the coenobitidae family and may be either land based or a terrestrial crab. Though there are more than 600 species of hermit crabs, only a few of them are kept as pets. This huge number of species of crabs is really fascinating to learn and also the reason why some of them are unfriendly pets is because they are wild. Wild hermits are really composed of a few hermit characteristics and difficult to tame.
Crab lovers are today open to so many species of crabs to choose from. Some crabs species are even associated with their physical characteristics. For example the strawberry hermit crab has spots like the seeds on the testa of strawberries and also the crab is reddish in color.
Here are some of the most popular hermit crab species:
- Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus): This species is the most commonly kept pet hermit crab and is known for its easy-going personality and hardy nature.
- Ecuadorian Hermit Crab (Coenobita compressus): This species is similar in size to the Caribbean hermit crab and is also known for its friendly and easy-going personality.
- Purple Pincher Hermit Crab (Coenobita purpureus): This species is known for its vibrant purple claws and is popular among pet owners due to its active and social nature.
- Strawberry Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlatus): This species is a smaller hermit crab with a distinctive strawberry-red color and is popular for its small size and playful personality.
- Giant Hermit Crab (Coenobita brevimanus): As the name suggests, this species can grow to be much larger than other pet hermit crabs and is known for its gentle and docile nature.
These are some of the most popular species of hermit crabs that are kept as pets. Each species has its own unique personality and characteristics, so be sure to research and choose the species that is right for you. Regardless of the species, all hermit crabs need proper care and a suitable environment to thrive.
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To learn more about hermit crabs, please continue to browse this website where we cover everything from essential items to frequently asked questions.
