Land hermit crab
Coenobita clypeatus
We are home to one land hermit crab that lives in our Wee Beasties building.
Population
Unknown
Diet
Omnivore
Habitat
Rivers and wetlands
Fact file
There are over 800 species of hermit crabs worldwide and almost all are ocean dwellers
Hermit crabs have soft bodies so they need their shell for protection and have adapted a hook-shaped tail and strong legs to hang on to the inside of their shell
As they grow they get too big for their shells, and need to find new ones
Unlike snails, hermit crabs do not produce their own shell, instead using an old shell made by other animals
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care our land hermit crab is an amazing ambassador for their relatives in the wild and helps hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation