Frequently Asked QuestionThere are two types of land hermit crabs sold as pets in the United States. One is the Caribbean Hermit Crab (purple pincher/ Coenobita clypeatus) which are more commonly found in the Caribbean and is nicknamed for its purple colored pincher. They primarily drink fresh water, although they can drink salt water, and they live inland, away from the shore. The other type of Hermit Crab is the Ecuadorian Crab( Eccie/ Coenobita compressus).
There are two types of land hermit crabs sold as pets in the United States. One is the Caribbean Hermit Crab (purple pincher/ Coenobita clypeatus) which are more commonly found in the Caribbean and is nicknamed for its purple colored pincher. They primarily drink fresh water, although they can drink salt water, and they live inland, away from the shore. The other type of Hermit Crab is the Ecuadorian Crab( Eccie/ Coenobita compressus). They are usually green or bluish gray in color , but as they grow their body will begin to show orange and tan . They live primarily on the shoreline, so they need salt water, but can also drink fresh water for a short period of time. The best way to determine which variety you have is by the claws. The Caribbean crab will have purple claws while the Ecuadorian will not.
Mainly there are two types of land hermit crabs sold as pets in the United States. One is the Caribbean Hermit Crab (purple pincher/ Coenobita clypeatus) which are more commonly found in the Caribbean and is nicknamed for its purple colored pincher. They primarily drink fresh water, although they can drink salt water as well, and they live inland away from the shore. The other type of Hermit Crab is the Ecuadorian Crab( Eccie/ Coenobita compressus). They are usually green or bluish gray in color , but as they grow their body will begin to show orange and tan . They live primarily on the shoreline, so they need salt water, but can also drink fresh water for a short period of time. The best way to determine which variety you have is by the claws. The Caribbean crab will have purple claws while the Ecuadorian will not.