Land Hermit Crab's Environment

As a land hermit crab owner, I know that the most novice mistake people make when purchasing land hermit crabs is not having an adequate set-up. Most of the time, a hermit crab's home consists of a plastic kritter keeper and a dry lining of gravel. Any expert crabber knows that this is a death trap to a land hermit crab.

The average temperature where Coenobita clypeatus inhabits is around 77°F. However, the temperature changes with the season. The average humidity level is around 75%, but it can vary from as low as 65% to highs above 90%.

Today, in Key Largo, it is 86°F and 70% relative humidity. It is safe to say that this is a good crabitat temperature.

There are fluctuations within seasons. Fluctuation in the crabitat is not a bad thing and is actually recommended so the crabs grow to adapt more and are not dependent on a single temperature and humidity level. Because of this, I always recommend that the temperature range from 75°F - 85°F and the relative humidity to range from 65% - 85%. Be sure to have the humidity level on the higher end during the hottest part of the day (between 10 am and 3 pm).

With this humid environment in mind, it is imperative that both a humid and warm crabitat should exist where your land hermit crab lives. Kritter keepers are not good homes and a glass aquarium is much more suitable for the lives of these animals.