Tell me about Hermit Crabs and Anemones

[Chad_Ordelheide]

I found this hermit crab the other night, and it seemed he had a little anemone on it's shell. I've heard that they collect them as a defense, but nothing conclusive. If you know about these little guys, please share your wisdom. Thanks!!

 

[Rick Murchison]

I've seen decoratror crabs who actually pick up anemones and paste them to their shells. I've not seen Hermit crabs do the same but wouldn't be surprised if they did.
Rick

 

[M_Bipartitus]

There are hermit crabs that will exhibit this behavior. Some home aquarium dealers actually sell hermits that have chosen to haul around an anemone.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Whoa... Like a crustacean Martha Stewart!

 

[LeslieH]

Hi Chad -- It's a very common association. The crab in your photo looks like Dardanus pedunculatus which means the anemone is likely to be a Calliactis or Verrillactis paguri. The crab is protected from predators like octopus who stay away from the anemones while the anemones get moved around to new sources of food. They may even reach down & take food from the crabs now & then. One particular anemone dissolves the shell the hermit lives in & creates a "pseudo-shell" which it keeps enlarging. That way the hermit doesn't have to keep finding new shells as it grows & the anemone isn't left behind.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Hi Chad -- It's a very common association. The crab in your photo looks like Dardanus pedunculatus which means the anemone is likely to be a Calliactis or Verrillactis paguri. The crab is protected from predators like octopus who stay away from the anemones while the anemones get moved around to new sources of food. They may even reach down & take food from the crabs now & then. One particular anemone dissolves the shell the hermit lives in & creates a "pseudo-shell" which it keeps enlarging. That way the hermit doesn't have to keep finding new shells as it grows & the anemone isn't left behind.

Fascinating! Thank you!

 

[Rick Murchison]

One particular anemone dissolves the shell the hermit lives in & creates a "pseudo-shell" which it keeps enlarging. That way the hermit doesn't have to keep finding new shells as it grows & the anemone isn't left behind.

Whoa! Now that is ultimate coolness! The wonders of the deep just keep me amazed and excited to learn more
Rick

 

[M_Bipartitus]

... One particular anemone dissolves the shell the hermit lives in & creates a "pseudo-shell" which it keeps enlarging. That way the hermit doesn't have to keep finding new shells as it grows & the anemone isn't left behind.

Cool, I hadn't heard of that one before. You learn something every day.

 

[Chaseh]

I was gonna ask if the crab transfered the anemone when it tranfered shells, but that story tops it all.

 

[Red Vette]

Great explanation Leslie, when you have a class on Calif. eco systems I want to attend.