Product Description
Hermit crab, any crab of the families Paguridae and Coenobitidae (order Decapoda of the class Crustacea). These crabs use empty snail shells (e.g., whelk or periwinkle) or other hollow objects as a shelter for partial containment and protection of the body. Their bodies lack a hard protected carapace; without a shell they are extremely vulnerable to predators.
Some species live in close association with other animals. Pagurus (Eupagurus) bernhardus, a common, bright red hermit crab of European and North American coastal waters, often carries one or more anemones on its shell. The robber crab, native to islands of the South Pacific, is a terrestrial species that has discarded the shell-dwelling habit.
Abdominal appendages on the female carry the eggs, which are held there until they hatch; the young pass into the water as swimming larvae. The larvae eventually metamorphose into small crabs, at which time they must search for their own shells. As the crab grows and becomes too large for its shell, it must find and move into a larger one. The availability of suitable shells is often limited, so competition among hermit crabs for shells of the proper size and in good condition is intense.
Hermit crabs, worldwide in distribution, occur in sandy- or muddy-bottomed marine waters and occasionally on land and in trees. The soft abdomen is asymmetrical, usually curling to the right. There are two pairs of antennae and five pairs of legs. The first pair of legs is modified to form chelae, or pincers—the right one usually larger—that are shaped so as to cover the shell entrance when the animal is inside. The crab walks on its second and third pairs of legs and uses its shorter fourth and fifth pairs to grip the central column of the snail shell.
Collectible Wildlife Gifts is the market leader in providing high quality, realistic toys of all types! Every one of our items is heavily inspected for quality craftsmanship and authenticity. Our products make great gifts for your family and friends! Additionally, our lifelike animal figurines and plush make for great displays and educational sets. We are happy to serve our wide range of clientele from parents to educators, gift shop owners and many more!
Our team works hard to ensure you get a great toy. All products from CWG are checked for quality to ensure you receive the order in perfect condition.
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