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Top 10 Hermit Crab Species
Hermit crabs are not always crabs but are nonetheless crustaceans. Crustaceans are organisms without backbones but have an exoskeleton that helps the organism to locomote. These organisms originate from the coenobitidae family and may be either land based or a terrestrial crab. Though there are more than 600 species of hermit crabs, only a few of them are kept as pets. This huge number of species of crabs is really fascinating to learn and also the reason why some of them are unfriendly pets is because they are wild. Wild hermit crabs are really composed of a few hermit characteristics and difficult to tame.
Crab lovers are today open to so many species of crabs to choose from. Some crabs species are even associated with their physical characteristics. For example the strawberry hermit crab has spots like the seeds on the testa of strawberries and also the crab is reddish in color. The top 10 hermit crab species are as follows:-
1) Coenobita brevimanus- This type is the second largest species of hermit crabs that live on the western coasts of the Pacific Ocean. This crustacean from the coenobitidae family is comes after the Birgus latro. With its purplish shade and bluish green eyes it attracts many crab lovers.
2) Coenobita cavipes- This kind of crab species with their bright orange bodies stays in the native homelands of the Asian and African tropical rainforests. The interesting fact is that these crabs never go to the shore until its time for them to mate. Molting is frequent amongst this species than any other breeds.
3) Coenobita clypeatus- This species is commonly known as the Caribbean hermit crab and live in the Caribbean waters. There are many other names gives to this species such as tree crab, soldier crab and pincher crab. Their life spans for more than 30 to 40 years and is the most common pet.
4) Coenobita compressus- Otherwise known as the Ecuadorian hermit crab are also well known pets. These are the tiniest species amongst the others and grow up to only 12mm. Being tiny they have the ability to walk faster so there is a more chance of escaping.
5) Coenobita perlatus- Coenobita pelarus is not available everywhere except some parts of Australia and US. Commonly crabs from these species are called strawberry hermit crabs because their bodies have a uniform red color with white spots symbolizing a strawberry. The young ones are pale red which develop a darker color with age and live for up to 32 years or more.
6) Coenobita rugosus- The sound from these crabs are pleasant and feels as though a bird is chirping. They rub the pinchers with the shell to produce the sound and this is a good sign to symbolize the species. Their colors vary from black to green or even pink. Some have shades of two colors on their bodies.
7) Paguristes pugil- The boxer hermit crab as it is commonly known as and looks similar to snails. Their beautiful appearance makes them ideal pets.
Paguristes frontalis- These hermit crabs are common and so they make their place in the top ten crab’s list. These hermit crabs prefer dead animals and other small crabs as food. They can catch prey for themselves.
9) Cancellus typus- Also known as the miner hermit crab, this is the most unusual hermit crab. This is why these species is endangered and not always possible to be kept as pets. These are one only species that can make their homes inside hollowed rocks and may or may not have a shell.
10) Strigopagurus elongates- These crabs are commonly known as the stridulating hermit crab. You can find them offshore mostly in the coastal regions of the Australian seashores.
These are some of the top ten hermit crab species that pet lovers crave to have. This is not always possible for all because some crabs might not be available in all pet stores.
About the Author
Preston Blackmore is a hermit crab enthusiast. For more information on species of hermit crabs , visit www.hermitcrabclub.com.
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