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Clibanarius erythropus
Hermit crabs (they live alone inside a shell) have a little calcified abdomen and that is why they protect themselves with the empty shell of a mollusk that they use as a home. Clibanarius erythropus, also called 'little witch' occupies different kinds of shells, but it is the first time I have seen it in Aporrhais pespelecani.
Between the rocks of the rocky coast of volcanic origin next to the Mediterranean Sea of La Manga (Murcia). It was a very pleasant surprise, both because of the beauty of the shell and because of the rarity of this hermit crab inhabiting this rare-to-see shell.
My video of Clibanarius erythropus inhabiting the Aporrhais pespelecani shell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Z4k90t...
Spotted on Sep 7, 2022
Submitted on Sep 7, 2022
4 Comments
Ava: Thanks you so much.
Hemashah: I've seen some videos of the change, but not lining up. If you have a moment could you give me the link. Thank you!
What a cutie!
This is beautiful!These crabs are intelligent! Did you see the you tube documentary on how these crabs line up to choose the correct fitting shell?Supercute!