6 Best Types of Hermit Crabs (Ecuadorian, Blueberry, Ruggie, and More)

1. Purple Pincher Hermit Crab (Caribbean Hermit Crab)

The Purple Pincher is by far the most common hermit crab on the market today, and for good reason. They are relatively easy to care for, develop interesting social behaviors, and have beautiful coloring that many keepers find captivating. These crabs get their name from their purple-tipped claws and are native to the Caribbean, where they are also called Caribbean hermit crabs.

Temperament & Behavior

Purple Pinchers have a calm, slower-paced temperament compared to other species. They are social and enjoy living with other crabs, though they will occasionally fight over shells. If a Purple Pincher spots another crab in a shell it wants, it will rock the shell back and forth until the occupant abandons it-the defending crab may emit a loud chirping sound during the struggle. These shell conflicts are rarely serious, but they can turn deadly if left unchecked, so monitoring is essential. They are also relatively tolerant of human interaction and make excellent pets for beginners.

2. Ecuadorian Hermit Crab (Coenobita Compressus)

The Ecuadorian is one of the smallest hermit crab species available in the pet trade, but don't let their size fool you-they are remarkably fast and energetic. These crabs prefer smaller shells that let them move quickly, and they are more likely to dash away from threat than hide defensively inside their shell.

Coloring & Activity

Ecuadorian crabs display vibrant colors-green, orange, bright blue, yellow, or tan-that shift and change as the crab grows and molts. They are noticeably busy during both day and night, constantly exploring and communicating with each other through chirping sounds.

Key Behavioral Notes

Unlike the calm Purple Pincher, Ecuadorians are skittish around people and some individuals can be aggressive. They are also exceptional climbers and burrowers, so a secure habitat with an escape-proof lid is non-negotiable. Many hobbyists report Ecuadorian crabs are more independent and less suited to casual handling than Caribbean species. They are popular for their unique personality but demand more attentive care.

3. Strawberry Hermit Crab

Named for their striking red or orange coloring, Strawberry hermit crabs are visually distinctive-and even more so because of their opalescent sheen, which makes their exoskeletons shimmer with multiple colors depending on the angle of light.

Activity & Substrate Requirements

Strawberries are among the most active hermit crab species, constantly moving and exploring their habitat. They are prolific diggers and require substantial substrate depth to stay content. However, this activity level comes with a caveat: they are more fragile and more difficult to care for than Purple Pinchers or Ecuadorians. They are better suited to experienced keepers willing to provide extra attention to water quality and humidity.

4. Blueberry Hermit Crab (Coenobita Purpureus)

The Blueberry hermit crab is named for its striking blue coloring, which sets it apart from every other commonly available species. Unfortunately, it's also one of the rarest hermit crabs in the pet trade-you will seldom find them in physical pet stores.

If you're interested in a Blueberry, expect to search online retailers or specialized invertebrate breeders. Their rarity and exact care requirements make them a choice for dedicated collectors rather than beginners.

5. Australian Land Hermit Crab

The Australian land hermit crab is endemic to Australia and rarely appears in the international pet market outside of that region. They vary widely in coloration, typically appearing white or brown. Their limited availability and specialized geographic requirements make them a niche choice for collectors with specific experience or access.

6. Ruggie Hermit Crab (Coenobita Rugosus)

Ruggies are the rarest hermit crabs in commercial availability-you'll almost certainly only find them through online retailers, if at all. They display wide color variation and are known for a notably calm, mellow temperament. Unlike the aggressive or skittish behavior of other species, Ruggies tend to be more laid-back and predictable.

Not for Beginners

However, Ruggies are not recommended for first-time crab keepers. While their easygoing nature is appealing, their rarity makes them difficult to research, and finding expert guidance when problems arise is challenging. Start with Purple Pinchers or Ecuadorians before attempting a Ruggie.

Hermit Crab Lifespan: A Long-Term Commitment

One of the most common misconceptions about hermit crabs is that they are short-lived pets. The opposite is true. With proper care, many hermit crab species can live well over 25 years. This is not a casual purchase-it's a multi-decade commitment. Before you buy, make sure you're prepared for the long haul.

How to Choose Healthy Hermit Crabs

Once you've decided on a species, the next challenge is selecting healthy individuals. Your choices come down to two options: buying online or visiting a local pet store. Collecting hermit crabs from the wild is illegal in many locations and is harmful to wild populations-avoid this entirely.

Online vs. Local Pet Store Purchasing

Online purchases offer a broader selection, especially for rare species like Blueberries or Ruggies. However, shipping is expensive, live animals suffer stress during transit, and sometimes they don't survive the journey. You also can't inspect them before they arrive. Online should be a last resort for species you can't find locally.

Local pet stores are the better option whenever possible. You can inspect the crabs, see their environment, and support ethical local businesses. When you visit, follow this checklist.

What to Look for in a Healthy Pet Store

Before even approaching the hermit crabs, evaluate the store itself:

• The smell test: Pet stores that reek of urine or feces are not maintaining habitats properly. Walk away.
• Overall cleanliness: Look at all animal habitats, not just the crabs. Are they clean? Is there fresh food and water? Do the animals look healthy?
• No mixed animals in crab habitats: Hermit crabs should NEVER be housed with other species or insects. If you see this, shop elsewhere.

What to Look for in Individual Hermit Crabs

Activity Level

Healthy hermit crabs are active, though this is tricky to assess because they're nocturnal and sleep during store hours. Don't be afraid to gently pick up a crab you're interested in-curiosity will prompt it to emerge and explore, letting you see how it moves and responds.

Shell Condition

• Avoid painted shells: Painted or dyed shells look appealing but are toxic. Hermit crabs nibble and eat paint, which contains chemicals that can kill them.
• Always choose crabs with shells: A hermit crab walking around without a shell is sick or dying. Shells are their only line of defense and shelter.

Signs of Mites

Some hermit crabs carry parasitic mites that will eventually kill them. These pests are nearly invisible to the naked eye, but they hate direct sunlight. If you're seriously considering a crab, politely ask the store if you can take it outside into sunshine for a moment. If mites are present, you'll see them scatter away from the light.

Choosing Crabs That Will Get Along

Select different sizes: Crabs with similar-sized shells are more likely to fight. Choosing hermit crabs of varying sizes reduces territorial disputes.

Test for personality conflicts: Before you purchase, ask if you can place your chosen crabs together in a temporary container. If one appears aggressive or bullies the others, replace it with another individual. Some crabs are simply grumpy and won't coexist peacefully, no matter the circumstances.

Setting Up for Success

Understanding the species and choosing healthy individuals is only half the battle. Proper hermit crab behavior in captivity depends on creating an appropriate habitat. The specifics of tank setup, substrate, humidity, temperature, and social dynamics are detailed in comprehensive guides, but the key takeaway is this: there is no such thing as an "easy" hermit crab. There is only an easy hermit crab keeper-one who puts in the work upfront to understand their chosen species' needs.

Whether you go with the beginner-friendly Purple Pincher, the energetic Ecuadorian, or the colorful Strawberry, commit to learning your crab's unique requirements. Do that, and you'll have a fascinating companion for decades.