General Description

Chelipeds (claws) subequal, with dense setae covering red-tipped spines. Moveable plate attached to base of eye stalks (ocular scales) with about 4 apical spines. Rostrum narrow, exceeding lateral projections. Up to 4 cm total length.

Biology

All hermit crabs have a twisted soft abdomen protected by an empty shell into which the animal can retreat when threatened. The opening to the shell is closed by the strong claws of the crab to protect the rest of the body and the animal can be almost impossible to dislodge. As the hermit crab grows, it must find a larger shell and in some dense populations, fighting for shells is a frequent event.

Distribution

Southern temperate oceans, including southern Australia.

Habitat

Subtidal in rocks, to depths of 25 m.

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