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Phylum Arthropoda > Subphylum Crustacea > Class Malacostraca > Order Decapoda > Anomurans > hermit crabs
Tidal hermit crab
Diogenes
sp.
Family Diogenidae
updated Aug 10
if you learn only 3 things about them ...
They come in all sizes from tiny ones you can hardly see, to larger ones.
Every empty shell is a potential hermit crab home. Don't take any shells home!
Many other animals live together with a hermit crab. Look for them.

Where seen? This little hermit crab is commonly seen on many of our shores, on silty or sandy areas and among seagrasses. Sometimes in groups of many individuals, even when the tide is not very low.

Features: Body about 1-2cm long. Body and limbs not very hairy. Colour grey, brown or white without obvious markings. The left pincer is usually much larger than the right, especially in males.
Some, especially larger hermit crabs may have one or more sea anemones on the shell.

Human uses: Hermit crabs have become popular pets and these are usually taken from the wild. Hermit crabs, however, belong in their habitats and not in our homes. More about the impact of keeping hermit crabs as pets.

Changi, Aug 05


With a sea anemone on its shell.
Changi, Jun 05

A moult from a Tidal hermit crab
Changi, Jun 07

Tidal hermit crabs on Singapore shores


Changi, Apr 05

Changi, Aug 05

Changi, Jun 05

more photos of tidal hermit crabs on Singapore shores
northern shores | southern shores


Links

References
  • Lim, S., P. Ng, L. Tan, & W. Y. Chin, 1994. Rhythm of the Sea: The Life and Times of Labrador Beach. Division of Biology, School of Science, Nanyang Technological University & Department of Zoology, the National University of Singapore. 160 pp.
  • Jones Diana S. and Gary J. Morgan, 2002. A Field Guide to Crustaceans of Australian Waters. Reed New Holland. 224 pp.
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