Ecuadorian Hermit Crab (Coenobita compressus)

【Rearing Temperature】24-28℃
【Adult Coloration】Commonly light yellow, orange-brown, dark grey
【Food】Omnivorous, fruits, vegetables, crab food, fish, shrimp, cuttlebone, eggshells (for calcium) etc.
【Adult Size】Adult body length (including shell) approx. 4-5cm
【Living Environment】Terrestrial, semi-aquatic (avoid deep water)

Care Instructions:

• They prefer spacious, well-ventilated environments; glass tanks or reptile enclosures can be used for rearing.
• Substrate must be used; coconut fiber, sand, and moss are recommended. Driftwood and hiding spots (coconut fiber bricks, sand, moss, etc., available online) should be provided.
• They are good climbers, so the enclosure needs a lid to prevent escape.
• It is recommended to prepare a separate molting container with a thick layer of coconut fiber for them to burrow in.
• Insufficient humidity will cause their gills to dry out, so regular misting is required.
• Hermit crabs cannot drink tap water directly, as it will cause death. Purified water can be used.
• Both a freshwater bowl and a saltwater bowl must be provided simultaneously.
• Daily feeding can include fruits, fish and shrimp meat, or specialized crab food.
• When changing shells, you can provide them with shells that are 1-2cm longer and have an opening 1-2cm wider than their old shell.

(Note: The color of Ecuadorian hermit crabs changes with the number of molts.)

The Ecuadorian terrestrial hermit crab is a terrestrial hermit crab, and perhaps also the smallest terrestrial hermit crab. Because this species has varied body colors, it is often mistaken for the Caribbean hermit crab. In fact, you can tell the difference by looking at its eyestalks; Ecuadorian terrestrial hermit crabs do not have black markings at the base of their eyestalks. The body color of Ecuadorian terrestrial hermit crabs is quite variable, including light yellow, orange-brown, dark gray, and yellowish-brown. They have scattered light white spots on their bodies. Young Ecuadorian terrestrial hermit crabs are slightly greenish and bluish, and gradually turn brownish and orange-brown as they grow.