Coenobita perlatus, commonly known as the strawberry hermit crab, is distinguished by its vibrant red coloration with white spots resembling strawberry seeds. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it inhabits coastal areas where it scavenges for food. These crabs utilize discarded shells for protection, often changing as they grow.

Coenobita perlatus, commonly known as the Strawberry Hermit Crab, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. This includes islands in the Indian Ocean, the eastern coasts of Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and extending into the western Pacific Ocean. Notable locations include the Maldives, Seychelles, and parts of Indonesia and the Philippines.

Coenobita perlatus typically inhabits tropical coastal areas. They are often found on sandy beaches, near coral reefs, and in mangrove forests. These regions provide the warm temperatures and high humidity levels ideal for their survival. The crab requires access to both land and sea, as it forages on land but returns to the ocean to breed.

As a terrestrial hermit crab, Coenobita perlatus plays a vital role in the coastal ecosystem. It serves as a scavenger, feeding on detritus, dead animals, and fallen fruit, which helps in nutrient recycling. The species also utilizes empty shells for protection, often changing shells as they grow, which influences the availability of shells in their environment.