About Coenobita compressus H.Milne-Edwards, 1836
Coenobita compressus, also called the Ecuadorian hermit crab, belongs to phylum Arthropoda and class Malacostraca, and is one of the smallest known species of land hermit crab. Adults can reach up to 12 mm (0.47 in) in length. This species has four walking legs, one small pincer, one large pincer, antennae, and a short, fat abdomen. Compared to the round eyes of Caribbean hermit crabs (including C. clypeatus, the purple pincher), its eyes are thicker and more oval-shaped; C. compressus also has comma-shaped eyes, while C. clypeatus has dot-shaped eyes. There are four or five small ridges on the upper portion of its large claw. The tips of its second pair of walking legs are darker than the rest of the legs. Individuals of this species vary widely in color. While some are bright yellow, dark grey, or orange, tan is the most common base color. Some individuals may have a blue or green tint on their bodies or the inner surfaces of their legs. When selecting shells to occupy, Coenobita compressus typically prefers shells with a wide, round aperture.
