The Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus)

On St. Martin, the Caribbean hermit crab has many different names like “soldier crab” or “tree crab”, because they burrow and hide under the roots of large trees and are actually great climbers!

Its size varies between 2 to 6 inches (5 – 15,5 cm) as it moves to the next bigger shell.

Unlike other species, this one spends most its time on land and is often spotted wandering around the lagoon’s sandy bays and beaches. If you live on the beach you may even find it inside your house!