The numbers
Enclosure
40–60 L glass, deep sand; keep 3+ together
Diet
Fruit, veg, leaf litter, dried shrimp, calcium foods · Fresh food daily/every other day
Temperature
25–29°C
Humidity
80–85% (high)
Identity
Order / Family
Decapoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; wild-collected
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Popular but demanding; wild-caught
Adult size
Up to ~8 cm
Lifespan
10–30 yrs
Growth rate
Slow
Activity & niche
Nocturnal terrestrial scavenger; coastal
Temperament
Shy
Venom / defense
Harmless; can pinch with claw
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
25–29°C
Humidity
80–85% (high)
Min. enclosure
40–60 L glass, deep sand; keep 3+ together
Substrate
12–15 cm damp play-sand/coco
Hides / decor / water
Extra shells, wood; generous fresh AND marine water pools
Diet
Staple food
Fruit, veg, leaf litter, dried shrimp, calcium foods
Feeding frequency
Fresh food daily/every other day
Supplements
Cuttlebone / crushed coral (calcium); marine salt for bathing — NOTE (needs more salt water)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Occasional, gentle; may pinch
Communal
Yes – social, keep in groups
Defense / stress signs
Colour fading, leaving shell, lethargy
Reproduction
Reproduction
Pelagic larvae — not bred in captivity (wild-caught)
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsVery prone to PPS and death if humidity/salt water inadequate
Red flags / quarantine
SignsDull colour, limb loss; quarantine; not for beginners
Good to know
- Bright red with white speckles — the 'strawberry' — but among the hardest Coenobita to keep.
Others in this group
Caribbean / Purple Pincher Hermit CrabCoenobita clypeatusGiant African Land SnailLissachatina fulicaRed Apple CrabMetasesarma aubryiIndonesian / Purple Land Hermit CrabCoenobita brevimanusRuggie Land Hermit CrabCoenobita rugosusVampire Crab (assorted Geosesarma)Geosesarma sp. (e.g. dennerle, 'red devil')Giant Pink-foot / Immaculate Land SnailAchatina immaculataGiant West African / Banana Rasp SnailArchachatina marginata