Ciliopagurus

Ciliopagurus is a genus of hermit crabs in the family Diogenidae. The genus is found in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They are typically small, with a maximum carapace width of about 1 cm. Ciliopagurus species are known for their distinctive, hairy or bristly appendages, which may play a role in their feeding or defense mechanisms.

Common Names

There are no widely used common names for the genus Ciliopagurus.

Characteristics

Ciliopagurus hermit crabs share several characteristics, including:

  • A small, asymmetrical body with a soft abdomen protected by a gastropod shell.
  • A distinctive, hairy or bristly appearance, particularly on the appendages.
  • A pair of large, stalked eyes.
  • A pair of strong, pincer-like claws.
  • Long, slender legs.

Environments

Ciliopagurus species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Shallow waters near the coast.
  • Rocky reefs.
  • Seagrass beds.
  • Coral reefs.

References

World Register of Marine Species

Ciliopagurus: A new genus of Diogenidae (Decapoda: Anomura) from the Western Atlantic, with descriptions of three new species