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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Hermit crab

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

On sand or among seagrass beds, the Hermit crab attracts attention with its shell carried like a mobile home. Always seeking a more suitable shelter, this inconspicuous cleaner contributes to recycling organic matter on the seabed.

Habitat de Hermit crab Habitat
Seagrass meadow, Sand, Detrital bottom, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Hermit crab Depth
1-40 m
Groupe biologique de Hermit crab Group
Crustacean
Rôle écologique de Hermit crab Role
Herbivore, Decomposer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Hermit crab is a small crustacean whose soft abdomen is protected inside an empty shell it carries around. It rarely exceeds a few centimetres. It has several legs for movement and two differently sized claws: the larger one mainly provides protection and closes the shell entrance, while the other handles food.It uses shells from various gastropods, selected according to its size. Shell choice influences camouflage and protection. Its colour is generally inconspicuous, in brown or reddish shades.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on varied seabeds: sand, rocks or seagrass beds, from shallow water down to several dozen metres. It is often found in areas rich in shelters and food.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is an opportunist feeding on whatever it finds: organic debris, algae, animal remains or small organisms. It thus helps clean the seabed by consuming decomposing material.

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Other species — Crustacean

Common Hermit Crab Sponge Crab Narwal Shrimp Spiny Spider Crab Shamefaced Crab Banded Squat Lobster Spiny lobster Spider crab

Same habitat and depth

Seagrass meadow species Sandy seabed species Detrital seabed species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Herbivorous species Decomposer species

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