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:
Giant hermit crabs inhabit coral reefs, turtle grass beds, and muddy or sandy bottom areas in the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf and Caribbean Sea.
Details:
The giant hermit crab is the largest hermit crab species in the western Atlantic Ocean. They have one larger, dominant claw used for protection and to open shells for food. They are scavengers, feeding on debris, small animals and plants. Their bodies range from red to orange.