Caribbean Hermit Crab

Scientific name: Coenobita clypeatus

Class: Crustacean

Continent: America

Habitat: Coastal forests from Southern Florida to Vene

Diet: Scavenger

Size: 2 - 6 Inches

These Crabs Spend Most of Their Time on Land and Are Actually Great Climbers

Unlike most hermit crabs, these ones spend most of their time on land and are actually great climbers. They don't grow their shells, but instead steal them from snails or take over empty ones in order to protect their soft backside. Their armored claws are used not just to pick up their food but also for defense against predators or other hermits trying to steal their shell!

Conservation Status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated