Land hermit crab
Coenobita clypeatus
We have one land hermit crab at the zoo, living in our Wee Beasties building.
Land hermit crabs are relatives of marine crabs, but they live on land instead of in the sea. They are usually found on tropical beaches and in coastal forests. They breathe air using special gills, so they need humid, damp places to stay healthy.
Hermit crabs don’t grow their own shells. They borrow empty shells from other animals to protect their soft bodies. As they grow, they have to find bigger shells to move into!
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
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