Identity
Order / Family
Decapoda / Sesarmidae
Adult size
Carapace ~2.5–3 cm
Activity
Terrestrial scavenger (paludarium)
Temperament
Peaceful, shy
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–29 °C (71–86 °F)
Humidity
70–90%
Min. enclosure
Paludarium: mostly land + shallow water
Hides / decor / water
Lots of cover for molting
Diet
Staple food
Omnivore ~70% plant / 30% protein; crab pellets, veg, dried insects
Supplements
Cuttlebone (calcium)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal
Communal
Group-friendly with cover
Molting
Body renewal = molting — never disturb
Reproduction
Reproduction
Larvae need brackish water — hard to breed
Common health problems
Failed molt
Signslow humidity / no calcium
Preventhumidity + cuttlebone + hides
When to see a vet
Not veterinary advice.
Good to know
- Also called the 'chameleon crab' — colour brightens with good diet and light.
Others in this group
Caribbean / Purple Pincher Hermit CrabCoenobita clypeatusGiant African Land SnailLissachatina fulicaIndonesian / 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 marginataConcave / Cavipes Land Hermit CrabCoenobita cavipes