Indonesian Hermit Crab (Coenobita brevimanus)

Indonesian hermit crabs (Coenobita brevimanus) are an impressive and relatively uncommon species of hermit crab native throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are one of the most terrestrial land hermit crabs and the second largest hermit crab species behind the well-known coconut crab (Birgus latro). They can reportedly grow up to the size of coconut and weigh up to half a pound. Also referred to as just “Indo hermit crabs” or “Indo purple hermit crabs”, they don’t like conditions that are too wet and should be provided with both a small bowl of fresh and marine salt water. They are omnivores and should be provided with a varied diet of both plant and animal proteins.  Indo hermits aren’t frequently available and are one of the coolest Coenobita available in my opinion. They are best-suited to intermediate-advanced keepers since their needs are a bit more specialized than more commonly available hermit crab species. Currently available specimens are field-collected imports.