General Description

Body red, claw tips cream. Up to 3 cm long (carapace).

Biology

Common Hermit Crabs live in the empty shells of other invertebrates, usually sea snails. Their abdomens are not hard like those of other crustaceans and are usually coiled, mimicking the shape of their borrowed protective shells. They move into larger shells as they grow bigger. They quickly retreat into their shells to hide from predators.

Distribution

Southern Australian coast, except Tasmania.

Habitat

Reef and seaweed areas, to depth of 15 m.

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