The Morgan’s Coral Hermit Crab, scientifically known as Paguritta morgani, is a fascinating crustacean found in various marine habitats. This species, a member of the hermit crab family, exhibits unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Paguritta morgani is a relatively small hermit crab species, with a maximum size typically reaching a few centimeters in length. It exhibits a distinctive coloration and patterns, which may vary depending on its habitat and individual variations. Like other hermit crabs, it relies on the empty shells of other mollusks for protection and shelter, carrying its chosen shell around as its home.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Paguritta morgani is primarily found in subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. These zones, collectively known as the neritic zone, provide suitable environments for this species to thrive. Notably, Paguritta morgani has a strong association with living corals, often inhabiting these intricate structures.
Taxonomy
The Paguritta morgani belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Paguridae. This classification places it within the broader category of crustaceans, characterized by their segmented bodies, hard exoskeletons, and jointed appendages. The Decapoda order encompasses a diverse group of crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, and the Paguridae family, more specifically, comprises the hermit crabs.
Feeding
The Paguritta morgani is a filter feeder and relies on zooplankton as its primary food source. These tiny organisms, which drift in the water column, are captured and consumed by the hermit crab. This feeding strategy allows Paguritta morgani to play an essential role in the food chain by consuming zooplankton and contributing to the overall balance of the marine ecosystem.
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