Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus)

Comparison drawing of the Caribbean Hermit Crab compared to other crustaceans

In case you go look for a pet crab, you might as well pick the Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus); also called the Purple Pincher, West Atlantic Crab, or Soldier Crab. However, note it is no true crab but more related to lobsters because it lacks a uniformly hard exoskeleton and is unable to grow its own shell, hence fighting for shells of dead snails. The crab is caught in the western Atlantic coastline and fits in the family Coenobitidae. The Caribbean Hermit Crab is both herbivorous and scavenger. As a terrestrial creature, it prefers to burrow and seek shelter beneath the roots of large trees.

The Caribbean Hermit Crab has an overall length between 2”-6” (5.1-15.2 cm), shell width of 1.2”-3.1” (3-8 cm), height of 1.4”-3.9” (3.5-10 cm), and weight between .22-1 lb (.1-.45 kg). The typical lifespan of the Caribbean Hermit Crab is between 15-30 years.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Caribbean Hermit Crab

How do invertebrates protect their soft bodies?

Invertebrates can effectively protect their soft bodies through an outer hard casing that is referred to as the exoskeleton. Invertebrates like spiders, crustaceans, and insects have their exoskeletons made through sections of jointed legs. Others like mollusks like snails and clams have a hard shell in which they can hide when danger is present.

What is the difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate?

The difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate is that invertebrates have no backbones while vertebrates have a developed internal skeleton with cartilage and bones as well as a developed brain that is protected by a skull. Vertebrates also cannot make their food, while invertebrates make their food.

Why are invertebrates important?

Invertebrates are important because like bees they help with pollination, as well as help clear and clean up the environment. Invertebrates are also important because they are soil aerators and creators as they help grow food crops. They also provide eco-system balance and serve as food for other species within the food chain.

How do invertebrates protect their soft bodies?

What is the difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate?

Why are invertebrates important?

How do animals adapt to the coast?

Animals adapt to the coast by adjusting to living in salty water as well as being able to withstand being covered or uncovered by the tide. Further coastal adaptations also include being able to hide or escape quickly from predators, finding food, and staying in a safe place as the tides move.

Why are coasts important for wildlife?

Coasts are important for wildlife because they serve as nesting grounds for species of sea turtles as well as are habitats for animals like beach mice. Coasts are also important foraging areas for migratory shorebirds. Coasts are important as they are used in cohesion by all species of animals.

How does coastal erosion affect animals?

Coastal erosion affects animals and humans as it causes sea levels to rise, flooding, as well as stronger waves. Coastal erosion also causes the gradual loss of land that is important to many animals. Coastal erosion is when a portion of land is lost within a shoreline by either natural events or manmade decisions.

How do animals adapt to the coast?

Why are coasts important for wildlife?

How does coastal erosion affect animals?

What do marine animals need to survive?

Factors that marine animals need to survive include bioluminescence which is when animals make their own light and helps them communicate and scare predators. Constant light, pressure, temperature, and food are factors needed to remain stable and help marine animals evolve to survive. Marine animals that live within the deep sea can withstand the cold.

Why do we need to protect marine life?

Humans need to protect marine life because our actions and lifestyles have a direct impact on the ocean. We need to protect marine life and provide a safe and healthy environment that is not impacted by overfishing, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and other forms of human exploitation.

What is the most common animal in the ocean?

The most common animal in the ocean is the bristlemouth which is a vertebrate, an animal with a backbone. The bristlemouth is a tiny fish that can glow in the dark and has fangs that resemble needles. Bristlemouths are part of the 1 million species of animals that live in the ocean.

What do marine animals need to survive?

Why do we need to protect marine life?

What is the most common animal in the ocean?

What is the largest group of arthropods?

The largest group of arthropods are insects, and they can be distinguished from other arthropods through specific characteristics. These characteristics include them having 3 body regions, 3 pairs of legs, as well as a pair of antennae. Most insects also have the ability to fly, which other arthropods lack.

How do arthropods grow?

The arthropods grow through the process of forming new segments near their tail. The growth of an arthropod is very similar to the growth of annelids. Arthropods like mollusks have a tough exoskeleton, but this exoskeleton does not grow along with the rest of the animal and they have to shed their exoskeleton periodically.

Why are arthropods important?

Arthropods are considered because they carry out a different number of roles and tasks. Arthropods can help with pest control or weed control, they also carry an important ecological role due to their large number of species and diversity. Arthropods also serve as food for other species within the food chain.

What is the largest group of arthropods?

How do arthropods grow?

Why are arthropods important?

Details

Under Development

Height:

1.4”-3.9” | 3.5-10 cm

Width:

1.2”-3.1” | 3-8 cm

Depth:

Length:

2”-6” | 5.1-15.2 cm (Overall)

Weight:

.22-1 lb | .1-.45 kg

Area:

Scientific Name:

Coenobita clypeatus

Lifespan:

15-30 years

Properties

Drawings include: 
Caribbean Hermit Crab top view, side

Links

Wikipedia - Caribbean Hermit Crab

Wikipedia - Crustacean

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