Types of Hermit Crabs: 6 Pet Species Explained

There are over 800 species of hermit crabs in the world, but only a handful are kept as pets. The 6 most common pet types are the Caribbean (Purple Pincher), Ecuadorian, Strawberry, Indonesian, Ruggie, and Australian Land hermit crab. The two you will almost always find in pet stores are the Caribbean and Ecuadorian. This guide covers each pet species, how to tell them apart, and which one might be right for you – plus the difference between land crabs and the marine hermit crabs found in reef tanks.

Land vs Marine Hermit Crabs

First, an important split. There are two big groups: land hermit crabs and marine (saltwater) hermit crabs. Land hermit crabs are the ones sold as pets in a tank – they breathe air through modified gills and live on land. Marine hermit crabs live fully underwater in saltwater aquariums and are used as part of the reef tank cleanup crew. This guide focuses mostly on the land hermit crabs kept as pets, since that is what most people mean when they ask about types of hermit crabs.

Bonus: How to Tell Hermit Crab Gender

The 6 Most Common Pet Hermit Crab Species

1. Caribbean Hermit Crab (Purple Pincher).

Scientific name Coenobita clypeus. This is the most common pet hermit crab in the United States. Nicknames include PP, purple pincher, tree crab, and soldier crab. You can spot them by their large purple or blue claw, round eyes, and reddish-brown legs. Hardy and easy to care for, these crabs can live 30 to 40 years and only need fresh and salt water (they do not require saltwater to survive the way Ecuadorians do). Their preferred home is a round-opening turbo shell.

2. Ecuadorian Hermit Crab (Eccie).

Scientific name Coenobita compressus. The second most common pet species. Nicknames include Eccie, E-crab, and Pacific crab. One of the smallest land hermit crabs, the Ecuadorian grows to about 1 inch and has oval-shaped eyes, a tan to gray-blue body, and claws that match its leg color. These crabs are faster and more active than Caribbeans, but they need saltwater to survive and are a bit more sensitive. Their preferred home is a D-shaped shell opening.

3. Strawberry Hermit Crab. 

Scientific name Coenobita perlatus. A stunning bright red species with small white spots, named for its strawberry-like look. They are beautiful but more delicate and harder to keep alive than Caribbeans. They need very high humidity and lots of saltwater. Best for experienced keepers.

4. Indonesian Hermit Crab (Viola).

 Scientific name Coenobita brevimanus. One of the largest and longest-living land hermit crabs – they can live 30+ years and grow quite big. They have dark purple to brown bodies and thick, powerful claws. They burrow deeply and can stay underground for a long time.

5. Ruggie Hermit Crab. 

Scientific name Coenobita rugosus. Named for the ridges on their claws (“rugosus” means wrinkled). They are known for being very vocal – they chirp often. They come in many colors from tan to gray to dark green and have a distinctive stitch-like mark on their large claw.

6. Australian Land Hermit Crab. 

Scientific name Coenobita variabilis. Native to Australia, these come in colors ranging from cream to tan to pinkish. They are active, curious, and grow to a medium size. Less common outside Australia but popular where available.

Quick Comparison Chart

Here is how the most common pet species compare at a glance:

Species	Eyes	Difficulty	Best For
Caribbean (PP)	Round	Easy	Beginners
Ecuadorian (Eccie)	Oval	Medium	Active tank watchers
Strawberry	Round	Hard	Experienced keepers
Indonesian	Round	Medium	Long-term commitment
Ruggie	Oval	Medium	People who want chirpers
Australian	Round	Medium	Australian keepers

Bonus: How to Care for Hermit Crabs

How to Tell Caribbean vs Ecuadorian (The 2 You’ll See Most)

Since these are the two species in almost every pet store, here is how to tell them apart:

• Eyes. Caribbean crabs have round eyes. Ecuadorian crabs have oval, almond-shaped eyes. This is the easiest way to tell them apart.
• Claw color. Caribbean crabs have a large purple or blue claw that stands out from their body. Ecuadorian claws are the same color as their legs.
• Body shape. Ecuadorian crabs have a wider, flatter body (thorax). Caribbeans are more rounded.
• Activity. Ecuadorians are faster and more active. Caribbeans are a bit more laid back.
• Water needs. Caribbeans can survive on fresh water plus a salt water dish. Ecuadorians need saltwater to survive and are more sensitive to dry conditions.
• Size. Caribbeans grow larger (up to a baseball or bigger). Ecuadorians stay small, around 1 inch.

Can Different Species Live Together?

Yes, in most cases. Caribbean, Ecuadorian, Ruggie, and other land species can live together in the same tank as long as their temperature and humidity needs overlap, which they mostly do. The main thing to watch is that some species (like Ecuadorians and Strawberries) need more saltwater access, so make sure your salt water pool is always available. Keeping a mixed-species tank is common and the crabs generally get along fine. Just make sure you have plenty of spare shells so there is no fighting over homes.

Which Species Is Right for You?

• Total beginner? Get Caribbean (Purple Pincher) crabs. They are the hardiest and most forgiving.
• Want an active, busy tank? Ecuadorians are faster and more fun to watch, but need a bit more care.
• Want a chatty tank? Ruggies are the most vocal and chirp often.
• Want a lifelong pet? Indonesian and Caribbean crabs can live decades, often 30 years or more.
• Experienced and want a showpiece? Strawberry crabs are gorgeous but need expert-level care.

Bonus: Do Hermit Crabs Make Noise?

Conclusion: 

There are over 800 species of hermit crabs, but the 6 you will see as pets are the Caribbean, Ecuadorian, Strawberry, Indonesian, Ruggie, and Australian. The Caribbean (Purple Pincher) is the best choice for beginners – hardy, long-lived, and easy to care for. Whichever type you choose, the care basics are the same: warmth, humidity, deep substrate, fresh and salt water, real food, spare shells, and companions. Now you know exactly what kind of crab you are looking at.

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