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Species Profile

Strawberry Hermit Crab

Coenobita perlatus

Red rover of the rainforest shore
Lauren Suryanata/Shutterstock.com

Strawberry Hermit Crab Distribution

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This map shows coastal regions where Strawberry Hermit Crab are found.

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Found in 29 countries

Size Comparison

Human 5'8"
Strawberry Hermit Crab 1 in

Strawberry Hermit Crab stands at 2% of average human height.

A strawberry hermit crab in profile

At a Glance

Wild Species
Also Known As Strawberry hermit crab, Red land hermit crab, Red hermit crab
Diet Scavenger
Activity Nocturnal+
Lifespan 25 years
Weight 0.2 lbs
Status Least Concern
Did You Know?

The "strawberry" name comes from its vivid red to reddish-orange exoskeleton (a key ID trait in the pet trade).

Scientific Classification

A terrestrial (land-dwelling) hermit crab known for its bright red to reddish-orange body coloration and use of scavenged gastropod shells for protection. Frequently encountered in the wildlife/pet trade as a “strawberry” hermit crab.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Malacostraca
Order
Decapoda
Family
Coenobitidae
Genus
Coenobita
Species
Coenobita perlatus

Distinguishing Features

  • Bright strawberry-red overall coloration (often the primary basis of the common name)
  • Terrestrial lifestyle (breathes with modified gills requiring humid air)
  • Carries and changes into empty snail shells as it grows
  • Typical Coenobita body plan: robust claws, eyestalks, and walking legs adapted for land movement

Physical Measurements

Height
1 in (1 in – 2 in)
Length
3 in (2 in – 5 in)
Weight
0 lbs (0 lbs – 0 lbs)

Appearance

Primary Colors
Red Orange
Secondary Colors
Cream Spotted Brown
Skin Type Hard chitinous exoskeleton with granular tubercles; sparse setae; gill chamber kept moist for terrestrial respiration.
Distinctive Features
  • Terrestrial hermit crab carrying a scavenged gastropod shell at all times for protection.
  • Color hallmark: vivid red/reddish-orange body with pale granules creating a "strawberry" speckled look.
  • One chela typically larger and used to block the shell aperture when threatened.
  • Elongate eyestalks and strong antennules adapted for terrestrial sensory detection.
  • Moisture-dependent: requires high ambient humidity and access to fresh/saltwater sources to wet gills.
  • Size reporting varies by source; commonly described as a medium Coenobita with robust chelae and thick legs in adults.

Sexual Dimorphism

External dimorphism is subtle. Sex is most reliably determined by gonopore position (males on the coxae of the 5th pereopods; females on the 3rd) and reproductive structures; females often show a relatively broader abdomen for egg carrying.

♂
  • Gonopores on coxae of the 5th pereopods (diagnostic when examined ventrally).
  • Often slightly larger body and chelae in mature individuals (not a consistent field cue).
♀
  • Gonopores on coxae of the 3rd pereopods (diagnostic when examined ventrally).
  • Broader, more expandable abdomen associated with egg brooding inside the shell.

Did You Know?

The "strawberry" name comes from its vivid red to reddish-orange exoskeleton (a key ID trait in the pet trade).

It's terrestrial: adults live on land but still depend on seawater/freshwater to keep respiratory surfaces moist and for salt balance (general Coenobita physiology).

Like other Coenobita, it carries water in its borrowed shell to humidify its body and protect its soft abdomen.

It scavenges: beach wrack, dead animals, and fallen fruit can all be part of its natural diet along coasts.

It must change shells as it grows; shell availability can limit population density on some islands (a common finding in hermit-crab ecology).

It typically becomes most active at dusk/night, reducing overheating and water loss in the tropical supralittoral zone.

Despite being "land" crabs, reproduction is still tied to the sea: eggs hatch into marine larvae before returning to shore (Coenobita life cycle).

Unique Adaptations

  • Land breathing from modified gills/branchial chamber: Coenobita have a lung-like branchiostegal surface that still must stay moist-driving their constant need for humidity and water access (comparative terrestrial-crab physiology literature).
  • Shell-based microclimate: the adopted gastropod shell acts as armor and a humidity reservoir; carrying water inside helps reduce evaporative loss on land.
  • Strong chemical sensing: well-developed antennules allow long-distance odor tracking of food and carrion in coastal air (a hallmark of terrestrial hermit crabs).
  • Osmoregulation strategy: maintains salt balance by drinking and using both fresh and salt water sources-important for a crab living above the tide line.
  • Behavioral thermoregulation: timing activity to cooler, more humid periods and using shade/burrows to prevent desiccation.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Shell selection and upgrading: individuals inspect shells by tapping/rotating them and comparing fit; they may queue near desirable shells and swap when an upgrade appears (well documented across Coenobita; species-specific quantitative trials for C. perlatus are limited).
  • Water management: routinely visits both freshwater and seawater sources; stores water in the shell and re-wets respiratory surfaces during dry conditions.
  • Burrowing and hiding: digs into moist sand/soil and shelters under debris or roots to maintain high humidity and avoid predators/heat.
  • Nocturnal foraging: emerges in low-light periods to scavenge along strandlines (seaweed/wrack) and forest edge foods.
  • Social tolerance around resources: aggregations form where food, water, or shells are abundant; interactions include pushing, antennal "sampling," and brief grappling over shells.
  • Molting in secrecy: retreats and often buries itself while molting because the body is soft and vulnerable until the new exoskeleton hardens.

Cultural Significance

Coenobita perlatus, the strawberry hermit crab, is a popular pet and used to show the difference between land (need moist air, larvae that live in the sea) and marine hermit crabs. On Indo-Pacific beaches it is often photographed or collected, prompting talks about shell shortages, ethical collecting and habitat protection.

Myths & Legends

Naming story (trade/common name): the modern nickname "strawberry hermit crab" arose in the aquarium/pet trade from its strawberry-red coloration rather than from older Indigenous folklore.

Japanese cultural association (hermit crabs generally): in Japan, hermit crabs are often associated with the idea of "borrowed lodging," appearing in children's stories and sayings as a traveler carrying a borrowed home.

In 18th–19th century European natural history books and curiosity cabinets, hermit crabs, including Coenobita perlatus, were used as a moral tale about changing houses and making do with what nature provides.

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Widespread and abundant in the wild.

Population Unknown

Life Cycle

Birth 20000 larvas
Lifespan 25 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
10–40 years
In Captivity
2–20 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Aggregation Group
Breeding Pattern Transient
Fertilization Internal Fertilization
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Likely mates opportunistically within local aggregations, with brief male-female pairing and courtship/guarding before internal fertilization. Females carry fertilized eggs on pleopods and later release planktonic larvae to the sea; no parental care beyond brooding.

Behavior & Ecology

Social Congregation Group: 20
Activity Nocturnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral
Diet Scavenger fallen fruit/seed pulp (notably coconut endosperm where available)
Seasonal Hibernates

Temperament

Generally gregarious and tolerant at shared resources; aggression mainly during shell competition.
Competitive shell acquisition; uses pushing/grappling and shell-guarding similar to other Coenobita spp. (Hazlett, 1981).
Risk-averse and moisture-seeking; retreats into shell quickly when disturbed; activity shifts with humidity.

Communication

Stridulation/squeaks from appendage-shell friction reported in terrestrial hermit crabs during disturbance/contests General Coenobita; Hazlett, 1981
Chemical cue use: antennular chemoreception for food, conspecific presence, and shell-related cues Hermit crabs broadly; Hazlett, 1970s-1980s
Tactile signaling: antennal tapping and direct contact during shell inspection and contest assessment.
Vibration/shell-rapping: substrate-borne signals and shell taps used in shell negotiations in Coenobita congeners E.g., C. compressus; Laidre, 2011

Habitat

Coastal Beach Rocky Shore Mangrove Rainforest Woodland
Biomes:
Marine Tropical Rainforest Tropical Dry Forest Wetland
Terrain:
Coastal Island Sandy Rocky
Elevation: Up to 328 ft 1 in

Ecological Role

Coastal-strand scavenger/detritus processor linking marine wrack/carrion to terrestrial nutrient pathways

rapid removal and breakdown of beach-cast carrion and wrack (decomposition support) nutrient cycling and redistribution between shoreline and inland refuges via foraging and food-carrying secondary seed handling/dispersal through fruit/seed consumption and movement bioturbation and microhabitat modification through burrowing and substrate disturbance supporting coastal food webs as prey for birds/reptiles and as a consumer of detrital resources

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Fish carrion Carrion from seabirds and other vertebrates Dead marine invertebrates Animal feces Soft-bodied invertebrates
Other Foods:
Fallen fruits and fruit pulp Seeds and nuts Leaf litter and decaying plant fragments Drift algae and seaweed wrack Biofilm and organic detritus in beach wrack Calcium-rich material

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Coenobita perlatus (strawberry land hermit crab) is not domesticated. Most pets are wild-caught from Indo-Pacific coasts. Captive breeding is rare because larvae need the sea. Adults live on land but must return to release larvae, eat plants and animals, and need empty snail shells. Humans harm them by collecting and taking shells, and by coastal lights and development.

Danger Level

Low
  • Painful pinch from chelae (can break skin, especially in larger individuals or if startled).
  • Secondary skin infection risk if pinched/cut is not cleaned.
  • Potential exposure to opportunistic bacteria associated with crustaceans/aquatic environments (good hygiene reduces risk).
  • Allergic reactions in sensitized individuals (shellfish/crustacean proteins, terrarium molds/dust).

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Strawberry Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlatus) is often legal to own in many places, but rules vary. Many are wild-caught; collecting may be banned in parks or islands. Check local laws, permits (even if not CITES-listed), and seller proof.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: $25 - $80
Lifetime Cost: $500 - $3,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Pet and wildlife trade (live animals) Tourism/souvenir trade (beachside sales in some regions) Scientific research/education (comparative physiology, behavior, shell selection ecology)
Products:
  • live specimens sold as "strawberry hermit crabs"
  • husbandry goods driven by demand (terrariums, substrates, saltwater mixes, shells, heat/humidity equipment)

Relationships

Predators 6

Mangrove monitor Varanus indicus
Black rat
Black rat Rattus rattus
Brown rat
Brown rat Rattus norvegicus
Feral cat
Feral cat Felis catus
Common myna Acridotheres tristis
Whimbrel
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Related Species 6

Rugose land hermit crab Coenobita rugosus Shared Genus
Australian land hermit crab Coenobita variabilis Shared Genus
Caribbean hermit crab Coenobita clypeatus Shared Genus
Ecuadorian land hermit crab Coenobita compressus Shared Genus
Indonesian land hermit crab Coenobita brevimanus Shared Genus
Coconut crab
Coconut crab Birgus latro Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 4

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Coconut crab
Coconut crab Birgus latro Ecologically similar to Coenobita perlatus: adults are fully terrestrial, scavenge in coastal forests and along shorelines, require humid microhabitats and seawater for larval development, use smell to find food, and are at risk of desiccation.
Rugose land hermit crab Coenobita rugosus Often found with Coenobita perlatus on Indo-Pacific islands, sharing a nocturnal shore-to-forest role as scavengers and omnivores. They often compete for gastropod shells, with shell size shaping shell selection and use.
Ghost crabs Ocypode spp. Although in a different family (Ocypodidae), these shore crabs are nocturnal, burrowing, intertidal-to-supratidal scavengers and predators that consume wrack and carrion. They overlap with Coenobita perlatus on strand lines, tracking food pulses and avoiding daytime drying and overheating.
Blue land crab Cardisoma guanhumi A similar land crab is an omnivore that eats dead leaves, fruit, and carrion. It uses burrows and damp hiding spots to retain body water, indicating similar habitat needs and feeding habits, although it does not use shells.

The strawberry hermit crab belongs to the Coenobitidae family, which includes the coconut crab. They are named after their famous red-orange coloration.

Strawberry hermit crabs occur mainly in the Indo-Pacific from Indonesia to Mauritius and the Great Barrier Reef. They primarily inhabit coastal areas with access to seawater, which helps with osmoregulation and breathing.

These crabs obtain their shells from marine gastropods, which they use to protect their supple abdomen. In addition, the shell protects them from drying out or shock and shields organs like the gonads and liver. They are nocturnal creatures like their giant cousin, the coconut crab.

Three Amazing Strawberry Hermit Crab  Facts

  • Strawberry hermit crabs are sought out for home aquariums because of their tiny size and attractive coloring
  • They use their olfactory antennae to locate water, food, and mates by capturing odors from the surrounding air.
  • These crabs live long in the wild, between 25 to 30 years. However, in captivity, their lifespan is very short and only ranges between 1 to 5 years.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Scientific Name

The strawberry hermit crab’s scientific name is Coenobita perlatus, and they belong to the Order Decapoda, which contains more than 8000 species of crustaceans in this order, and includes:

They have five pairs of thoracic legs, which is where the name decapod (Greek for “10 legs”). However, members vary significantly in size and diversity.

Strawberry hermit crabs are members of the Family Coenobitidae, which includes 17 species in two genera. They are land crabs that primarily inhabit tropical and supratidal areas. With the exemption of the coconut crab, they all shield their soft abdomen with a molluscan shell or any hollow receptacle they can find. In fact, on the Solomon Islands, they crawl into empty cartridge cases left over from World War II.

Other Types of Hermit Crabs

There are several types of hermit crabs, with the most well-known being:

Caribbean crab ( Coenobita clypeatus )

The Caribbean crab goes by many names like the West Atlantic crab, soldier crab, tree crab, and purple pincher. They are land crabs that inhabit the Bahamas, west Atlantic, Belize, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Florida, and the West Indies.

Adult Caribbean crabs usually hide under the roots of large trees and can be found quite some distance inland. Similar to other terrestrial crabs, they breathe in air through modified gills. In addition, their shells aid in maintaining humidity levels and help gas exchange function properly.

Ecuadorian crab (Coenobita compressus) 

The Ecuadorian crab is one of the smallest species of land hermit crab, measuring only 0.47 inches in length

They have one large pincer, one small pincer, and four legs and antennae. People keep Ecuadorian crabs as pets, and they are very active. Ecuadorian crabs are extremely fast walkers, even quicker than Caribbean hermit crabs.

Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita cavipes)

Land hermit crabs tend to live close to the shoreline because they need access to both land and water. They have recently become trendy aquarium pets but do not breed in captivity, so they are collected from their natural habitats, which is detrimental to their population size.

The land hermit is an omnivore and scavenger. These crabs are not picky eaters and will generally eat anything they can find. However, they do not consume former residents of their shells.

Ruggies (Coenobita rugosus)

Ruggies are land hermit crabs that originate from Indonesia, the east African coast, Australia, and the southwest Pacific. They live close to shorelines but can be found up to 300m from the beach. Ruggies prefer to inhabit sand dunes, mangroves, and sandy areas because they cannot swim.

They do go into the water but can only stay there for brief periods. Ruggies use this time to moisten their gills and to bathe. However, if they spend too much time underwater, they can drown. If they can not access water, they use the liquid from damp soil or food to wet their lungs.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Appearance

It is really easy to identify the strawberry hermit crab because of its orange-red coloration. They are considered to be the most attractive crab of their genus.

Adult strawberry hermits are usually bright red with white spots covering their bodies, with a pure white abdomen. Their eyes are primarily brown; however, sometimes, they are gray or deep black.

Juveniles are a lighter orange to red color. However, once they start to grow, their color gradually changes to vibrant red. In addition, they have white streaking on their legs that fades as they age, giving them the nickname “candy cane crabs.”

Strawberry hermit crabs are one of the larger species of their genus and can grow up to 6 inches long. However, their average length is 3-4 inches, and they can weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 ounces.

A strawberry hermit crab in profile

You can identify a strawberry hermit crab by its orange-red coloration.

©Lauren Suryanata/Shutterstock.com

Fun Fact

When strawberry hermit crabs find shells that are larger than their own, they gather in a line from biggest to smallest. Once the biggest one sheds its shell, the next one in line will claim it, which is repeated down the line.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Behavior

These colorful crabs like to keep busy and enjoy exploring their habitats by climbing, burrowing, and roaming, mostly at night. However, they are active during the day but are primarily nocturnal. This is because they stand a better chance of avoiding predators in the dark.

As pets, they are very messy and will rearrange nearly everything in their tank within hours. They do well in groups because they are social animals and are often seen toppling over each other. In addition, they frequently have feeler fights and pushing contests, which is an opportunity to smell each other.

When they are threatened or want to rest, they will retreat into their gastropod shell and, when in captivity, might attack a tank mate with its pincers.

Shells are a hot commodity in a strawberry hermit crab’s world and their most treasured possession. So, naturally, they fight over shells, often losing them in the process. During these volatile encounters, they make a chirping noise.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Habitat

Strawberry hermit crabs are indigenous to tropical and subtropical areas. They are widely distributed across the Indo Pacific in places like:

They are generally found along coastlines on lower terraces, within close proximity to the sea. It’s very rare for strawberry hermit crabs to venture inland because of their dependency on salt water.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Diet

Strawberry hermit crabs get their vibrant coloring from their diets. Therefore, they need food with high amounts of carotene, which is a natural pigment found in many plants, animals, fruit, and vegetables.

These crabs are omnivores, meaning they need meat and plant-based food for a healthy and balanced diet. Their diet usually consists of:

  • Seaweed
  • Washed-up fish
  • Mollusks
  • Other invertebrates
  • Terrestrial plants

Strawberry Hermit Crab Predators and Threats

Because of their tiny bodies, strawberry hermit crabs fall prey to many animals. However, their main predators include:

Their biggest threats are over collection for the pet trade and pollution. However, there is no data on their population size, and they are not listed on IUCN’s Redlist.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

Strawberry hermit crabs have a long lifespan in the wild and can live for 25 to 30 years. But unfortunately, in captivity, they only live between 1 to 5 years.

This is because it’s hard to replicate their natural habitat, and they need a regular supply of seawater, which is not easy to maintain. Therefore, they do not breed in captivity. So, the pet trade relies solely on wild-caught species.

No visible distinctions between males and females make it hard to tell them apart. The only way to tell them apart is the presence of genital openings in females.

Male strawberry hermit crabs initiate mating by gently tapping and rocking the shell of females, which coaxes them to come out of their shells.

Females carry thousands of eggs inside their shells and venture to the ocean to release them. The eggs hatch into planktonic marine larvae. These larvae need salt water to develop and survive and are very responsive to light.

Strawberry Hermit Crab Population

Unfortunately, there is no available information on record about the strawberry hermit crab’s population size.

Strawberry Hermit Crab as a Pet

Having a strawberry hermit crab in your home aquarium is no easy task. They have very specific requirements that, if not met, can cause fatalities. Their main needs are a spacious, clean, organized tank and to mimic their natural habitat as much as possible.

Aquarium Size

Only having one strawberry hermit crab will be detrimental to their health. They must stay in pairs but having two or three means a larger tank ( at least 30 gallons). These crabs need all this space because they are so active and like to crawl around a lot. In addition, they are also diggers and climbers. For example, in the wild, they can travel several miles in a few hours.

If put in a small tank, they will become aggressive and attack each other, causing stress and reducing their lifespan.

Water

Strawberry hermit crabs cannot survive without seawater and need a constant supply for survival. However, they also need fresh water intermittently.

Their tank will always need a bowl of salt water and fresh water. These bowls need enough water for the strawberry hermit to completely submerge itself (usually a few inches deep).

There is no need to travel to the ocean every time salt water is needed. Instead, Instant Ocean Marine Salt will do the trick and won’t break the bank. Please note that simple aquarium salt or table salt should never be used!

Freshwater should always be distilled or bottled spring water. Tap water contains chlorine, which is toxic but can be used if it’s left to age for 24 hours.

Any substances containing chloramine, chlorine, and contaminants must be removed from the water before being added to the aquarium, and the water must be changed every 2 to 3 days.

Temperature

Because strawberry hermit crabs are cold-blooded, their body temperature varies with their environment. This means they depend on an external heat source since they do not control their heat balance.

The best temperature for strawberry hermit crabs is 80 °F; however, their temperature can fluctuate between 75 – 84 °F, which is what they experience in their natural habitat.

Humidity

Humidity is a huge factor in the strawberry hermit crab’s survival. This is because they are very susceptible to fluctuations in humidity. Ideally, it should be 80% around the clock; however, anything above 70% will work too.

Although they live on land because of their modified gills, in order to breathe, they need to keep their gills moist. Humidity aids in slowing down the dehydration rate.

Sand

The aquarium needs damp sand so the strawberry hermit crab can burrow. Once underneath the sand, you mustn’t dig them up!

The sand must always be damp so the crabs can form a cave. However, it can’t be too wet, causing wet pools of water. Good options are:

  • Pool-filler sand
  • Play sand
  • All-purpose sand

To prepare the sand, place it in a bucket and use a hose to spray it down. Next, the excess water will flow out of the bucket and will be cloudy at first. After a while, the water will start to run clear; that’s when it’s ready for use.

Lighting

Just because strawberry hermit crabs are nocturnal doesn’t mean they don’t need lighting. Therefore, they need special light and basking bulbs. However, ensure the output is not too hot; otherwise, the tank can overheat, which will harm the hermits.

These crabs have taken to UVB lamps; this could be due to them triggering vitamin D production. These bulbs should be replaced twice a year.

Decorations

Strawberry hermit crabs are very active and need a lot of stimulation. Therefore, adding items like driftwood or natural vines would be beneficial.

Tankmates

These crabs thrive with members of the same species. However, other animals make good tank mates, too; they include:

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Sources

  1. Aquariadise / Accessed August 23, 2022
  2. Tetiaroasociety / Accessed August 23, 2022
  3. Wikipedia / Accessed August 23, 2022
  4. Aquarium Breeder / Accessed August 23, 2022
Chanel Coetzee

About the Author

Chanel Coetzee

Chanel Coetzee is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily focusing on big cats, dogs, and travel. Chanel has been writing and researching about animals for over 10 years. She has also worked closely with big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and tigers at a rescue and rehabilitation center in South Africa since 2009. As a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, Chanel enjoys beach walks with her Stafford bull terrier and traveling off the beaten path.
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