What is (in your opinion) the best terrestrial/semi-aquatic crab in the hobby?

[Godzillaalienfan1979]

In terms of experience, I gotta go with the OG Coenobita Clypeatus. Very active and curious guys, also very good size as well (mine had a legspan of about 4'' before he passed).

In terms of looks or assumptions or what i've seen online...
that easily goes to Vampire Crabs. Ever since I saw these guys on some online shop when I was 7 I always wanted a small group, at one point even considering putting some on with my C. Clypeatus (i'm very glad I didn't lmaoooo).

 

[Jurdon]

Well, you know my only experience in crustaceans is with isopods, but the moon crab has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve seen them in the wild on a few different occasions and it always makes me happy. I’ve considered keeping one, but ultimately don’t think I ever would. (Some of the anoles that share a habitat with the moon crab though, are a different story . And that means you, A. distichus!)

 

[Godzillaalienfan1979]

Well, you know my only experience in crustaceans is with isopods, but the moon crab has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve seen them in the wild on a few different occasions and it always makes me happy. I’ve considered keeping one, but ultimately don’t think I ever would. (Some of the anoles that share a habitat with the moon crab though, are a different story . And that means you, A. distichus!)

Moon Crabs are beautiful, too bad they're hella expensive whenever I see them up for sale

 

[pannaking22]

There was a pet store in the last town I lived in that sold Halloween crabs (same as moon crabs?) on occasion. Usually around $20 bucks or so, which I thought was a good deal, but I don't know the first thing about crab pricing lol. I'd love to get some sort of crab at some point when I have more space to give them a decently sized enclosure.

I've just started realizing recently that there are different species of hermit crab, so I've been trying to come to terms with being lied to all these years.

 

[Arthroverts]

Hey @Elytra and Antenna, what do you think? You have kept quite a few crabs...

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Elytra and Antenna]

Hey @Elytra and Antenna, what do you think? You have kept quite a few crabs...

Thanks,

Arthroverts

Each type of crab is neat in its own way though hardiness and longevity are big in my book. Availability too. I'd say Cardisoma armatum

 

[velvetundergrowth]

In my opinion, keeping both Vampire Crabs and Hermit Crabs myself, I would say Vampire Crabs are the best choice providing you set them up correctly in a bioactive enclosure with filtration. Hermit Crabs are often labeled as "Easy" pets but that couldn't be father from the truth. To be kept thriving you will need to provide fresh food as well as both fresh and salt water on a constant basis and maintain a high level of humidity. They also require very deep substrate and plenty of places to climb and explore. As for Moon Crabs I haven't any experience myself but they seem to be fairly straightforward in their care and hardier than both Geosesarma and Coenobita.

 

[mantisfan101]

Geosesarma. They're almost like dart frogs and once you get the wild caught individuals established caring for them becomes much easier.

 

[qwerty84]

For vampire crab, how do u know if a crab is dead or its molting if it's not moving? How often does it molt?