Is Hermit crab kosher?

Hermit crab is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. A crustacean with no fins or scales, so hermit crab is not kosher (Leviticus 11:9-12).

What is the scientific name of Hermit crab?

The scientific name of Hermit crab is Paguroidea.

Does Hermit crab have fins and scales?

Hermit crab does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Hermit crab sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Hermit crab is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Hermit crab is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Hermit crab

Paguroidea

Not Kosher

No fins or scales

Fins No

Scales No

Description

Hermit crabs protect their soft, curled abdomens by living inside empty snail shells, which they trade for larger ones as they grow. They're found on shorelines and seafloors worldwide, from tide pools to the deep sea, with some land species living near tropical coasts.

Hermit crab in foreign languages

Scientific	Paguroidea
Hebrew	סרטנים נזירים
Arabic	سرطان ناسك
Spanish	Cangrejo ermitaño
Portuguese	bernardo-eremita
German	Einsiedlerkrebse
Greek	Πάγουρος
Russian	Раки-отшельники
Chinese	寄居蟹
Japanese	ヤドカリ
Korean	소라게
Bengali	সন্ন্যাসী কাঁকড়া
Vietnamese	Cua ẩn sĩ
Thai	ปูเสฉวน
Indonesian	Kelomang

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A hermit crab is a crustacean, so it is not kosher.
All crustaceans are non-kosher under Jewish law.