Species Care Sheet: Blueberry (Coenobita purpureus)

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Blueberry (Coenobita purpureus)

Other Common Names: Blue, Okinawan Blueberry
Several stores have been selling Violas labeled as Blueberries or Indos lately.

Forum species nickname: Blue (plural Blues)

Below are the specialty characteristics of this species. For information on enclosures, housing size, diet, water needs and general care that apply to all species, please see our Crab Care Brochure, located here: viewtopic.php?t=92457


Description: Chubby hermit crab that looks like it's been cobbled together out of parts of other species. White and cream colored when young (sometimes brown), developing into strong blue and purple coloration as they age. Wide, bright shiny black eyes.

Native Habitat: A narrow strip from the Southern Japanese islands down to Malaysia.

Temperatures: 75 to 85 degrees.

Humidity: At least 70%, and higher is safe.

Activity Level: Medium. They are known to be food aggressive and pushy towards other crabs when they want something!

Shells: Oval openings seem to be preferred, but they will happily wear turbos. Babylonia species, whelk, cantharus.