Friday, May 29, 2009

Anemone Hermit Crab

[Originally posted to the Moorea Coral Reef LTER (MCR LTER) Marine Life Encyclopedia]

Anemone Hermit Crab
(Dardanus pedunculatus)

Anemone Hermit Crab - Dardanus pedunculatus
Photo by Gerick Bergsma

Distribution
Indian and Western Pacific Oceans

Habitat
Reef flats and lagoons

Diet
Anemone Hermit Crabs are omnivorous scavengers, meaning they feed on plant and animal scraps.

Quick Fact
Anemone hermit crabs decorate their shells with small anemones.  This relationship provides the crab with both camouflage and defense from potential predators, and allows the anemone the opportunity to move about with the crab and eat from the crab's scraps.

Learn More
- Wikipedia

- Moorea Biocode Database

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