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Giant Red Hermit Crab

Giant hermit crab

Petrochirus diogenes

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Fun Facts

The giant hermit crab is the largest hermit crab species in the western Atlantic ocean.

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Giant hermit crab

Size:

These hermit crabs grow up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) long.

Diet:

Giant hermit crabs eat algae, conchs and marine invertebrates like shrimp and crabs.

Range & Habitat:

Throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and western Atlantic Ocean, giant hermit crabs inhabit inshore reefs, beds of turtle grass, muddy, sandy and shelly bottom areas.

Details:

Giant hermit crabs have one larger and more dominant claw. They use this larger claw as protection from predators and to defend their territories. Their bodies range from red to orange in color.