With over 800 hermit crab species discovered worldwide, only a handful make suitable pets. Some, like the coconut crab, are too massive for captivity, while others are either endangered or hard to find. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best types of hermit crabs for pets, including both marine and terrestrial hermit crab species that are colorful, safe, and easy to care for.
Whether you’re new to crab keeping or expanding your hermit crab species chart, here are some of the most eye-catching and manageable hermit crab varieties available today.
Electric Blue Hermit Crab (Calcinus elegans)
This marine hermit crab species is known for its vivid electric blue legs contrasted with orange and black. Often referred to as the elegant hermit crab, it’s a popular member of the saltwater cleanup crew. Their peaceful nature and manageable size make them a top choice for aquarists exploring saltwater hermit crab species.
Anemone Hermit Crab (Dardanus pedunculatus)
One of the more fascinating hermit crab types, this crab has a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. These anemones attach to the crab’s shell for protection, while they offer their host scraps of food in return. This is a great example of unique behavior seen in some marine hermit crab species.
Ecuadorian Hermit Crab (Coenobita compressus)
This is one of the most common terrestrial hermit crab species, found throughout Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico. These active crabs come in hues ranging from orange and golden to dark gray. Known for their speed and social behavior, they’re often chosen by beginners exploring types of pet hermit crabs.
Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
Recognizable by their deep red legs and orange eye stalks, this saltwater hermit crab species prefers rough, beat-up shells over typical snail shells. Their color and algae-eating habits make them a functional and beautiful addition to any reef tank.
Viola Hermit Crab (Coenobita violascens)
Rare in the hobby, this land hermit crab comes in shades of red and orange that shift into violet and blue with age. A wonderful option for anyone building a diverse hermit crab species list, they can live up to 10 years in a well-maintained crabitat.
Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
This is a small but striking saltwater hermit crab species, loved for its deep blue and orange coloration. One notable trait is that both claws are the same size, unlike most hermit crab breeds. They’re ideal for nano reef tanks.
Strawberry Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlatus)
A top pick among terrestrial hermit crab species, the strawberry hermit crab lives up to 5 years in captivity. Their bumpy, red shell resembles a strawberry, which is where they get their name. In the wild, they can live over 25 years, making them one of the longest-living breeds of hermit crabs.
Halloween Hermit Crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus)
This saltwater hermit crab species flaunts bright orange legs with yellow stripes. Often called the striped or orange-legged hermit crab, its festive colors make it a favorite among marine aquarists. As part of the cleanup crew, they help keep tanks free from algae.
Zebra Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
Also called the left-handed hermit crab, this species is small (up to 1.5 inches) but has a very large left claw. Its black-and-white leg stripes resemble a zebra pattern, earning its name. They are part of the Calcinus hermit crab genus and species, often misidentified due to their small size.
Red Tip Hermit Crab (Clibanarius digueti)
A tiny but mighty bottom dweller, the red tip hermit crab is known for keeping the substrate clean. They feed on decaying organic matter and fish waste. This makes them ideal for reef tanks where space is limited but cleanliness is key.
Blueberry Hermit Crab (Coenobita purpureus)
Native to Japan, this stunning land hermit crab species resembles a ripe blueberry. Due to its rarity and strict habitat range, it’s hard to find outside Japan. Though not readily available, it still stands out among exotic hermit crab species names.
Ruggie Hermit Crab (Coenobita rugosus)
A popular and hardy pet hermit crab species, Ruggies come in colors like pink, blue, tan, and green. Found in Southeast Asia, their claw often features visible “stitch marks.” They’re social, adaptive, and suitable for beginners exploring types of hermit crabs for pets.
Polka Dot Hermit Crab (Phimochirus operculatus)
One of the most striking marine hermit crab species, this crab has dot patterns on its legs and is among the least shy hermits. When it withdraws into its shell, its large claw closes the entrance like a trapdoor. It’s also known as the polka dot reef hermit.
Purple Pincher (Coenobita clypeatus)
The most common hermit crab species in the U.S., especially among Florida hermit crab species, this crab is widely recognized by its big purple claw. They’re excellent climbers and a favorite among beginner crab keepers exploring different hermit crab species.
Types of Pet Hermit Crabs at a Glance
| Name | Type | Scientific Name | Color | Marine or Land |
| Electric Blue Hermit Crab | Elegant | Calcinus elegans | Blue, orange, black | Marine |
| Strawberry Hermit Crab | Strawberry | Coenobita perlatus | Red, bumpy | Land |
| Viola Hermit Crab | Viola | Coenobita violascens | Red to Violet | Land |
| Blue Leg Hermit Crab | Equal-handed | Clibanarius tricolor | Blue, orange | Marine |
| Purple Pincher | Caribbean | Coenobita clypeatus | Purple claw | Land |
| Halloween Hermit Crab | Striped | Ciliopagurus strigatus | Orange/yellow | Marine |
This hermit crab species identification chart helps beginners differentiate between the most commonly available hermit crab types as pets.
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FAQ About Hermit Crab Species
Q: What is the best type of hermit crab for a pet?
A: Coenobita clypeatus (Purple Pincher) is often considered the best due to its availability, hardy nature, and peaceful behavior.
Q: Should I get 1 or 2 hermit crabs?
A: Always get at least 2 hermit crabs. They’re social creatures and can become stressed or even die from loneliness.
Q: What is the most peaceful hermit crab?
A: Blue leg hermit crabs are among the most peaceful marine hermit crab species, making them ideal for reef tanks.
Q: How many species of hermit crabs are there?
A: There are over 800 recognized species of hermit crabs, though only around a dozen are commonly kept as pets.
Q: Can different species of hermit crabs live together?
A: Yes, you can mix hermit crab species, especially land crabs like Coenobita perlatus and Coenobita rugosus. Just ensure they have similar environmental needs and enough space.
Q: How to identify hermit crab species?
A: Look at claw shape, color, body markings, and habitat preferences. Refer to a hermit crab species chart or consult a crab care guide.
Q: What species is a hermit crab?
A: Hermit crabs belong to the infraorder Anomura. Each has a specific genus and species; for example, the Caribbean hermit crab is Coenobita clypeatus.
If you’re planning to build a dream crabitat with different species of hermit crabs, just make sure you’ve done your research. Whether you’re interested in peaceful reef tank cleaners or tree-climbing land dwellers, there’s a hermit crab species perfect for your setup.
