Giant Hermit Crab

More Ocean Resources Beach Pictures Crab Pictures Ocean Animals

The Giant Hermit Crab (Petrochirus diogenes) of the Southeast, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, grows to a length of up to eight inches.

It is the sole member of the Petrochirus genus in the family Diogenidae (left-handed hermit crabs), and it is the largest hermit crab found off coastal waters of the Continental United States.

Growing up to a foot in length, the White-spotted hermit crab, a Hawaii native species, holds the title of largest hermit crab in the United States.

Large hermit crabs require large shells for survival. The specimen in the top picture washed ashore inside of, what looks to be, a Florida Fighting Conch. They also use other local large shells such as tun-shells and whelks.

The top picture highlights the characteristic purple lines on the legs.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels