Scuttling along in tide pools throughout Hawaii are some familiar critters that really deserve a second look. They are hermit crabs, probably one of the creatures most responsible for getting children interested in the natural world. Today's post features a few from the genus Calcinus that inhabit tide pools and shallow reefs, though other hermit crabs live in deeper waters. With a closer look, you'll notice that the rainbow of colors on their eyes, legs, and claws that help to identify them. What you don't see, of course, is the soft and vulnerable abdomen that is modified to fit into the protection of a discarded shell, with back legs specially designed to grip and hook. As hermit crabs grow, they need to find a suitably sized new home. Empty shells are a valuable resource to hermit crabs, and a prospective home is thoroughly explored to see if the fit is right. The crabs try it on for size, and take up residency if everything is snug. If, for whatever reason, they begin to outgrow a shell but are unable to find a new one that fits well, they are more vulnerable to predation from any number of enemies, including crabs, reef fish, and octopi. They themselves are omnivores, and are happy munching on the abundant algae in the tide pools, as well as whatever tidbits float by, including debris. So next time you visit a tide pool, take a closer look at these colorful little guys, but leave any empty shells you may see. Housing is in short supply.
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October 2014
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