Types of Pet Hermit Crabs: Species Guide [2026]

Types of Pet Hermit Crabs

There are roughly 15 species of land hermit crabs in the genus Coenobita, but only a handful are commonly found in the pet trade. Each species has distinct physical features, temperament, and care nuances. Knowing which species you have helps you provide better care.

Species Comparison Table

Purple Pincher (Coenobita clypeatus)

The Purple Pincher is the most common pet hermit crab in North America. Named for the distinctive purple or dark-colored large claw (cheliped), this species is found throughout the Caribbean and parts of the southeastern United States.

Identifying features:

• Large purple, brown, or dark red left claw
• Round eyes on circular eye stalks
• Body color ranges from tan to reddish-brown
• Can grow quite large over many years

Why they are popular: Purple Pinchers are hardy, tolerate a range of conditions better than most species, and adapt well to captivity. They are calm, easy to handle (when necessary), and widely available at pet stores and online.

Care notes: Standard hermit crab care applies. They do well in mixed-species colonies and tolerate moderate temperature and humidity fluctuations better than most species, though optimal conditions should always be the goal.

Ecuadorian (Coenobita compressus)

Ecuadorian hermit crabs are the second most common species in the US pet trade. They are smaller and more active than Purple Pinchers, making them entertaining to watch.

Identifying features:

• Laterally compressed body (flatter from side to side)
• Elongated, comma-shaped eyes
• Lighter coloring — often tan, gray, or pale brown
• Smaller overall size than Purple Pinchers

Temperament: Ecuadorians are more active and exploratory than Purple Pinchers but also more skittish. They are faster movers and excellent climbers. They may take longer to settle into a new enclosure.

Care notes: Ecuadorians prefer D-shaped shell openings rather than the round openings Purple Pinchers favor. Providing the correct shell type is important for this species. They do well alongside Purple Pinchers.

Strawberry (Coenobita perlatus)

One of the most visually striking hermit crab species, Strawberries are bright orange-red with small white spots — resembling a strawberry. They are native to the Pacific islands.

Identifying features:

• Bright red, orange, or coral body coloring
• Small white or cream dots across the body and legs
• Round eyes similar to Purple Pinchers
• Can grow to large sizes

Temperament: Strawberries are bolder and can be more assertive than other species. They may be more likely to pinch and can sometimes bully smaller tankmates. Despite this, many keepers consider them the most visually rewarding species.

Care notes: Strawberries require high humidity (80%+) consistently and are less tolerant of dry conditions than Purple Pinchers. They need higher temperatures (78-85F) and are more sensitive to environmental stress. All Strawberry hermit crabs in the pet trade are wild-caught.

Ruggie (Coenobita rugosus)

Ruggies are named for the textured, rugose (wrinkled) appearance of their body and legs. They are common in Australia and parts of Southeast Asia but less widely available in North America.

Identifying features:

• Rough, textured exoskeleton with visible ridges
• Elongated eyes similar to Ecuadorians
• Variable coloring — gray, brown, tan, sometimes with darker markings
• Small to medium size

Temperament: Ruggies are active, curious crabs that are fun to observe. They are decent climbers and tend to be more outgoing than some other species.

Care notes: Standard care requirements. Ruggies prefer shells with D-shaped openings similar to Ecuadorians. They do well in mixed-species colonies.

Indonesian (Coenobita brevimanus)

Indonesian hermit crabs are one of the larger species and are known for their stocky build and gentle temperament. The name "brevimanus" means "short-handed," referring to their relatively small claws for their body size.

Identifying features:

• Large, stocky body
• Proportionally smaller claws compared to body size
• Purple, brown, or dark coloring — often dark purple
• Round eye stalks

Temperament: Indonesians are generally the calmest species. They move slowly and deliberately, rarely pinch, and are described as "gentle giants" by many keepers.

Care notes: Due to their larger size, Indonesians need more space and deeper substrate (at least 8-10 inches). They are strong and can rearrange tank decorations easily. Finding appropriately large shells can be challenging.

Australian (Coenobita variabilis)

Australian hermit crabs are small, active crabs found exclusively in northern Australia. They are not available in the US or European pet trade due to Australian wildlife export laws.

Identifying features:

• Small body size — one of the smallest land hermit crab species
• Highly variable coloring (hence the name "variabilis") — gray, brown, tan, orange
• Round eye stalks

Temperament: Highly active and social. Australian hermit crabs are best kept in larger groups, as they are extremely social even by hermit crab standards.

Care notes: Only available to keepers in Australia. Care requirements are similar to other tropical species — high humidity, warm temperatures, deep substrate, and access to both freshwater and saltwater.

How to Identify Your Hermit Crab Species

If you purchased your crab from a pet store in the United States, it is almost certainly a Purple Pincher or an Ecuadorian. The quickest way to tell them apart:

1. Eye shape: Round eyes = Purple Pincher. Elongated, comma-shaped eyes = Ecuadorian.
2. Body shape: Round and bulky = Purple Pincher. Laterally compressed (flatter) = Ecuadorian.
3. Claw color: Purple or dark claw = Purple Pincher. Tan or light-colored = Ecuadorian.
4. Size: If it is very large (4+ inches), it is most likely a Purple Pincher.

Conclusion

While all pet hermit crab species share the same fundamental care requirements — high humidity, proper temperature, deep substrate, saltwater access, and social groups — each species has its own personality and quirks. Purple Pinchers remain the best choice for beginners, while experienced keepers may enjoy the visual appeal of Strawberries or the gentle nature of Indonesians. Regardless of species, the key to a healthy, long-lived hermit crab is consistent, proper husbandry.