Hermit crabs are anomuran decapod crustaceans of the superfamily Paguroidea, comprising more than 800 species that have adapted to occupy empty, scavenged gastropod shells to protect their soft, uncalcified abdomens. Because their abdominal exoskeleton offers little protection on its own, they depend on shelter produced by other organisms, a dependence that has shaped their biology and let them diversify across nearly every marine environment. Most species develop through metamorphosis, from symmetric, free-swimming larvae into the asymmetric, shell-seeking, bottom-dwelling adults characteristic of the group.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceLong, spirally curved abdomens that are soft rather than hard and calcified 1 Scientific Name Connections
Sources
1. Hermit crab - Wikipedia
Lead paragraph, superfamily name
Paguroidea
Description
long, spirally curved abdomens, which are soft, unlike the hard, calcified abdomens seen in related crustaceans
- found in almost all marine environments
article text (relationship to people), EntityId 295276
Several marine species of hermit crabs are common in the marine aquarium trade.
- In Biome: Marine, Wikipedia intro: "lity contributes to the diversity and multitude of these crustaceans, which are found in almost all marine environments. In most species, development involves m..."
View the Source2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
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