Land Crab Care: Purple Land Crab

Purple land crabs are one of the calmest and most beginner-friendly crabs we offer.

Compared with many other land crabs, they are generally very gentle, less likely to pinch, and can often be kept in groups peacefully when given enough space. They are also extremely hardy, making them one of the easier pet crabs to care for.

For the enclosure, a plastic bin or glass tank works well. We recommend using an enclosure at least 3 times the length of the crab so they have enough space to walk around and explore. A secure lid is important because they are very good at escaping. They should also have at least one hiding spot, such as a cave, cork bark, or other shelter, where they can feel safe and molt.

For substrate, we usually use coco fiber or peat moss, around 1 inch deep, to help retain moisture. 

They mostly eat fruits. We feed ours bananas, mango, apples, and other soft fruits. They can also be offered occasional protein, such as roaches, crickets, and dried fish.

They are fairly tolerant of short temperature drops and lower humidity, but ideally they should be kept above 20°C / 68°F, with a humidity above 70%. The substrate should not be soggy or stay too wet.

Brackish water should be given at least once a month.

Hand-feeding is possible by holding food in front of their mouthparts. Over time, they may start to associate you with food and become very calm around you.

With the right setup, steady humidity, and regular feeding, purple land crabs can be one of the most friendly and interactive pet crabs.