What size is jumbo?

[Hermiecrab]

This probably sounds like a dumb question, but what size shell opening makes a crab jumbo? I've seen some websites say 3+ inches, and some people say 2 or even 1 inch, but what's the actual correct size?

Master of weird and dumb questions

(Sorry if this should have gone under shells)

[Jlmills525]

that seems to be very subjective.. or maybe based on species? because i've seen similar ranges

[Hermiecrab]

Ah, that would make since if it where based on species...

[curlysister]

There are some guidelines over in the care sheets.

The graphic on this one goes by leg span.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92541

Alternatively, from JMT:
I use the size of the shell, rather than the size of the crab, to simplify sizing.
Teeny = marble
Small = quarter-50c piece
Medium = 50c piece-golf ball
Large = golf ball-tennis ball
Jumbo = baseball

[wodesorel]

Because of my hand size, jumbo for me is palm sized when active and moving. They can get a leg on each side of my hand without stretching. There is a bit of a disconnect between when they count as a jumbo and when they actually seem like a jumbo though, due to their leg size. When they growth spurt they are usually lanky for years after before finally filling out. Larger crabs that have come to me already grown have been absolute tanks by comparison and that's what I think of when I hear jumbo.

As far as shell size that they can potentially wear, that can be anywhere between a 1 & 1/16 inch opening and a 2 inch opening. With shells measured properly, crabs don't really get bigger than that. Unfortunately there is vanity sizing when it comes to crabs and their shells, because of course it's an online status symbol to have a giant, so I've seen claims of bigger shells that were quite obviously not that large once they are compared to the surroundings. Jumbo crabs also tend to like to stay in tighter fiting lighter shells, because once their legs fill in they dont have much to worry about. This also means that a lot of people overlook their jumbos because they're only thinking about big shells and not the actual size of the crab.

[Hermiecrab]

Ooooh, that you so much! My big boy must be a jumbo then, he is in a 1ish inch opening and the shell is pretty snug... Thanks a lot! You both are very helpful members! And he has some huge legs.. Freaks people out, but I love having a giant crab!