Scientific Name:
Pagurus samuelis
Description
A high intertidal crab that inhabits the shells of dead snails. Their small (4 cm/1.6 in) body is generally red, brown or orange with blue leg bands.
Behaviors
As hermit crabs grow, they search for larger shells to “size up.” They are scavengers, eating dead animals and a variety of algae. Kelp forest fish are their primary predators, but birds and even raccoons will also prey on them.
Fun Facts
Despite their name, hermit crabs are social and will tap each other’s claws or carry each other around before they mate. Females carry their eggs with them inside the snail shell.
Nature Topics
Related Media
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
