Common name:
Galapagos hermit crab & Semi-terrestrial hermit crab
Scientific name:
Coenobita spp.
Spanish name:
Cangrejo ermitaño
Conservation status:
Least Concern
Average lifespan:
1 - 10 years
Average size:
2 - 10 centimetres
Average weight:
200 grams
Maximum weight:
500 grams
Overview
Most species of hermit crabs have long and curved abdomens. The tip of the abdomen is adapted to clasp strongly onto the pillar of a shell, allowing them to protect themselves from predators.
There are two species of hermit crabs within Galapagos: the semi-terrestrial and the Galapagos hermit crab. The semi-terrestrial hermit crab is light brown. Its external parts, head, claws and legs are laterally compressed – meaning from a side perspective, the hermit appears normal, but from vertically above, they appear quite narrow. The Galapagos hermit crab, on the other hand, is a dark brown-to-black colour with red-edged appendages.
There can be forceful competition among hermit crabs for shells. They may fight or kill a competitor to gain access to the shell they favour. However, if the crabs vary significantly in size, the chances of combat decrease or remain absent.
Galapagos hermit crabs in Galapagos
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