Hidden Hermit Crab, Green Hermit Crab – Calcinus latens

, Hidden Hermit Crab, Green Hermit Crab, Calcinus latens
Depth: 0 - 95 m

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf

The Hidden Hermit Crab, Green Hermit Crab, scientifically known as Calcinus latens, is a fascinating crustacean belonging to the family Diogenidae. This species is characterized by its distinctive green coloration and its unique habit of seeking shelter within empty gastropod shells, which it carries around for protection.

Description & Characteristics

Calcinus latens, commonly reaching a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm, exhibits a green body with a prominent rostrum. The rostrum is a pointed projection on the head, contributing to its overall distinctive appearance. Like all hermit crabs, Calcinus latens lacks a fully developed abdomen and relies on the empty shells of other marine invertebrates, primarily gastropods, as their homes.

Habitat and Occurrence

Calcinus latens is a common inhabitant of the intertidal zone, including rocky reefs and tidal pools. These crabs are particularly well-suited to this environment, as they are able to withstand the fluctuations in salinity and temperature that occur with the changing tides. Calcinus latens can be found in both seawater and brackish water, making them adaptable to diverse environments.

Taxonomy

The species Calcinus latens belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Diogenidae. The Malacostraca is a diverse class of crustaceans that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and crayfish. The Decapoda, as the name suggests, includes crustaceans with ten legs, and within this order, the Diogenidae family encompasses numerous hermit crab species.

Distribution and Occurrence

The Hidden Hermit Crab, Green Hermit Crab, Calcinus latens, typically inhabits the intertidal zone, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. Its distribution encompasses rocky reefs and tidal pools, demonstrating its adaptation to environments with variable salinity and temperature. These factors contribute to Calcinus latens‘ remarkable adaptability and contribute to its relatively widespread occurrence in coastal regions.

Feeding

Calcinus latens is an omnivore, consuming a wide variety of food sources. Its diet typically includes algae, banana, clam meat, flakes, frozen food (large sort), and lettuce. This diverse feeding habit reflects its opportunistic nature and its ability to thrive in environments with varying food availability.

Associated Species

Image References

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