Hermit Crab City’s beginner guidance is for land hermit crabs and generally focuses on Purple Pinchers (Coenobita clypeatus). It is not a specification for every species, and marine hermit crabs need different guidance.
Before adding a crab, check the essentials
- Confirm the species. This checklist is for land hermit crabs and defaults to Purple Pinchers. (FAQ intro)
- Plan adequate floor space and molting room; use at least 10 gallons per small-to-medium crab as the LHCOS planning minimum, with more room for larger animals. (Q1)
- Prepare approximately five parts play sand to one part coconut fiber by volume. Provide at least 6 inches of substrate, or three times the largest crab’s height, whichever is deeper. (Q2, Q3)
- Provide separate conditioned freshwater and marine-saltwater pools deep enough for the largest crab to submerge, each with secure exits. (Q9)
- Check heat and humidity with reliable gauges. For Purple Pinchers, the beginner references commonly use 75–85°F and 70–85% relative humidity; the full FAQ explains differences among sources. (Q4)
- Use wall-mounted heating with thermostat control and follow the actual heater/controller instructions, including insulation limits. (Q5)
- Offer several suitable natural shells per crab, including current-size and modestly larger choices. (Q6, Q7)
- Provide varied food, calcium, hides, and safe climbing materials. Use a normal day/night light cycle. (Q8, Q17, Q19)
- If a crab buries itself, leave it undisturbed during routine care. Keep food and water available and consult the molting guide. (Q10, molting guide)
These are keeper-guidance planning recommendations, not a universal specification for all species. Hermit crabs are best watched rather than handled for play (Q13), and most are active in the evening and at night (Q14).
Keep going
Read the full habitat setup guide, browse the New Owner FAQ, or go to Help Now if a crab is out of its shell, molting above ground, or fighting.