Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita Clypeatus)

Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita Clypeatus), commonly known as the soldier crab, is one of the most familiar Crabs of Dominica. It is widely distributed along beaches, coastal woodlands, and Mangrove Swamps, where it occupies discarded shells to protect its soft abdomen. These land crabs can be found along the Indian River, near Rivière Cyrique, and in coastal communities such as Scotts Head, Kalinago Village, and Castle Bruce.

Ecological and Cultural Significance

As an omnivorous scavenger, this crab contributes to Dominica’s Biodiversity by cleaning up plant matter, carrion, and organic debris, recycling nutrients within fragile coastal ecosystems. In Kalinago areas like Salybia and Sineku, hermit crabs have traditional uses, symbolizing endurance and resourcefulness. They are less targeted for food than the Blue Land Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) but remain an important marker of healthy wildlife habitats and can be included in conservation education programmes run by the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division.

Sightings and Best Viewing Areas

Hermit crabs are most visible at dusk or nighttime, when they move across black sand beaches in search of food. Walkers along the Waitukubuli National Trail; Segment #5, Segment #6 and Segment #14 may observe them crossing paths after rain showers. Popular sites such as the Cabrits National Park, Woodford Hill Beach, and coastal fishing villages also offer opportunities to spot clusters of these hardy crustaceans, particularly during humid evenings when they are most active.