This is the Dardanus peduncultas or jeweled anemone hermit crab.
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Pictured above is the beautiful jeweled anemone hermit crab, Dardanus peduncultas.
It has been given this name because the eyes look like jewels. Look closely, the eye stalks are red and white and the eyes are light green…. looking just like gems. This hermit crab is nocturnal and usually hiding under rocks or crevices during the day, but every once in a while, we spot them out and about.
What makes this crab unique are the anemones that are attached to it’s shell.
There are two different types, with the larger anemone is calliactis polypus and the smaller is verrillactis paguri. The crab will coax the anemone off the reef and onto it’s shell. This will create a mutual symbiotic relationship. These anemones will hide, protect, and camoflage the crab. They also have the ability to sting any predators, such as the octopus, by shooting out stinging threads and thus protecting the crab. In return, the anemones get scraps of food that float upward as well as a free ride around the ocean floor. The crab will move the anemones around the reef and help it to access more food.
Hermit crabs do not grow their shells as they grow.
That means they will eventually have to find a larger shell to move into. Rest assured, they do not just leave their anemone buddies. The crab will take them with it. You may be wondering how this happens……Well, the crab will grip the anemone, at their base, with their claws and gently massage and wiggle them free. Once the anemone lets go, the crab will then place them on their new shell or home! All this equates to such an interesting and peculiar looking hermit crab.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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