The Hermit Crab is a species in the order of the Decapoda crabs and thus belongs to the subphylum of the Crustacea. Clibanarius erythropus was first described by Latreille in 1818.
Description, Anatomy & Characteristics
The Hermit Crab has a predominantly, intensively red coloured body. However, it can also be brown, green or beige. The end links of his arms and legs are slightly lighter. Especially striking are his black eyes with many white dots.
Clibanarius erythropus grows up to 2cm tall.
Habitat & Distribution
The Hermit Crab lives on solid ground. It is more likely to be found in shallow waters, such as tidal pools.
Therefore, it is rare to see it while diving in the Canary Islands, unless you are often in shallow coastal waters. In tidal pools, however, it is hard to miss.
Its general distribution range in the eastern Atlantic Ocean extends from Great Britain to the Channel Islands, the Azores and the Canary Islands. It is also very common in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, the Red Sea and the coast of Angola.
Biology & Feeding
Clibanarius erythropus feeds on algae, small invertebrates and dead and living organic remains.
It is also known that the species can move better in round than oblong housings.
References