The Scaly-legged Hermit-Crab (Aniculus aniculus) is a fascinating crustacean known for its unique appearance and ecological role. These hermit crabs are found in various marine environments and play a significant part in the food web, contributing to the balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Description & Characteristics
The Scaly-legged Hermit-Crab (Aniculus aniculus) is distinguished by its distinct scaly legs, which give it its common name. This species is relatively small, with adults typically reaching a maximum size of around 2 cm in length. These crabs, like other hermit crabs, rely on empty snail shells for protection and shelter, carrying them around for their safety. They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and their ability to retract their heads and abdomens into their adopted shells.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Scaly-legged Hermit-Crab (Aniculus aniculus) is a common inhabitant of intertidal zones and shallow coastal waters. Their preferred habitats include rocky shores, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. They can be found in a variety of marine zones, including the neritic zone (the shallow water zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf) and the oceanic zone (the open ocean beyond the neritic zone).
Taxonomy
The Scaly-legged Hermit-Crab (Aniculus aniculus) belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Diogenidae. This classification places them within the broad group of crustaceans, specifically the decapods, which includes lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, and further categorizes them within the family of hermit crabs, known for their reliance on empty shells for protection.
Feeding
The Scaly-legged Hermit-Crab (Aniculus aniculus) is a carnivorous scavenger, primarily feeding on zooplankton. Their diet also includes small invertebrates and detritus, making them opportunistic feeders that play a role in cleaning up the ocean floor.
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