Hermit Crab

Pagurus bernhardus
Hermit Crab

Habitat: Rocky shore, kelp forest and sandy sea bed
Depth: Down to 140m
Food: Dead animal matter
Length: 3-10cm
Lifespan: 1 - 10 years
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)

Hermit crabs have a soft tail end and live inside empty sea snail shells for protection. As they grow they need to find a bigger snail shell to move into. They thoroughly check any empty shells before moving in, but some crabs may fight over a ‘desirable residence’. Hermit crabs on the rocky shore hide in their shells to avoid drying out at low tide. They use their largest claw to seal the entrance.

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