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Coenobita compressus
Common Names: E, Eccie, Ecuadorian Hermit Crab
Identifying features: “Stitch marks” on the big claw, not always visible and found on other species. Antenna tend to be brown shades. Wider, flatter thorax. Chunkier legs than C rugosus (the two are often confused) and more uniform, elongated eyes. The eye stalks start off narrow but get very wide towards the eye when viewed side on. May have vertical striping to the body and legs.
Colouration: The most common colour is tan, but they can be grey, peach, yellow, black, brown, orange and other shades. Colour commonly changes from moult to moult.
Temperature: 26-28c
Humidity: 80%
Shell preference: A more unusual selection, they favour “D” shaped openings such as nerites, calf shells and land snail shells, will sometimes take some turbos, babylonias, murex or others. Known to be very picky and hesitant to change, they heavily modify the internal shell and will often wear them until they are little more than a “tushy cap”.
Dietary needs: A varied diet of fruit, veg, leaves, bark, flowers, meat, seafood, pre-killed insects, calcium sources, worm castings, seaweed and others, as with the other land hermit crab species.
The second most commonly kept species in captivity overall within the US and Canada, C compressus are a hyperactive bundle of tunnelling expertise in a tiny shell. Although still reaching a good size they are slightly smaller than average and more than make up for it with big personalities. Much more active than clypeatus when kept correctly, they are faster, better climbers and will run in any direction at top speed.
They do well on the basic 5 parts playsand to one part coir, and are happy with it just a little sandier too, but extra depth should always be provided. E's are fervent diggers and may accidentally uproot moulters if not enough space has been provided. Good climbing opportunities should be provided to help prevent boredom, and sturdy décor should be used to help minimise the need to tidy up if things get undermined and collapse!
For general care information please see the appropriate guides.