WHATSTHATFISH
Crustaceans

Polka-dotted Hermit Crab

Phimochirus operculatus

Also known as: Hermit Crab, Polka Dot Hermit Crab, Polka Dot One Claw Crab, Polkadot Reef Hermit

Adult
@JolineCuracao · Curaçao - Mambo Beach, Curaçao · December 20201 / 1
01

Overview

Found both day and night, over rubble, sand, seagrass, and shell beds, of coral reefs.

Anomura crabs are considered false crabs, they have a longer abdomen and the back legs are modified or reduced so hardly noticeable.
These crabs include the hermit crabs and squat lobsters.
Many thousands of species live worldwide in sea water, fresh water and on land.
Hermit crabs change their shells regularly but only when they find a larger and newer shell to feel safe in!

02

How to identify

Pattern
spots

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found both day and night, over rubble, sand, seagrass, and shell beds, of coral reefs.

04

Adult photos 1

05

Discussion

Comments are checked by a moderator before they appear.

No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.

    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumArthropoda
    3. classMalacostraca
    4. orderDecapoda
    5. familyPaguridae
    6. genusPhimochirus
    7. speciesPhimochirus operculatus (Stimpson, 1859)

    SourcesWoRMS

    06

    More in the family

    Decapoda