Zoology: Invertebrates

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hermit crab

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

hermit crab a crustacean distinguished from true crabs by its long, soft, spirally coiled abdomen terminating in an asymmetrically hooked tail. Most hermit crabs protect this vulnerable portion of their bodies by occupying the empty shells of periwinkles, whelks, and other gastropod mollusks. A few find other homes; for example, a species that inhabits the Indian Ocean lives in sections of old bamboo cane. When the hermit crab grows out of one shell it seeks a larger one, fighting for it if challenged. Sea anemones often attach themselves to these shells, obtaining free transportation and scraps of food in return for protecting their hosts. Hermit crabs are common beach scavengers in most parts of the world.

Most species are marine, but some tropical forms, such as the coconut, or robber, crab, Birgus latro, are largely terrestrial. This species, the largest hermit crab, generally reaches over 1 ft (30 cm) in length. It becomes increasingly terrestrial and develops heavy armor as it matures into an adult, at which stage it is able to completely discard its adopted shell. With its great pincers it has been known to crack coconuts, which it obtains by climbing palm trees.

Hermit crabs are classified in the phylum Arthropoda , subphylum Crustacea, order Decapoda.

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hermit crab

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

hermit crab Small, crab-like crustacean found in tidal pools and shallow water worldwide. It uses sea-snail shells to protect its soft abdomen, changing shells as it grows. Some are terrestrial and do not use shells as adults. Family Paguridae.

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hermit crab

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

her·mit crab • n. a crab with a soft asymmetrical abdomen that lives in a castoff mollusk shell for protection.

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"hermit crab." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"hermit crab." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-hermitcrab.html

"hermit crab." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-hermitcrab.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Hermit crab finds a safe haven in shell.(Neighbor)(Kids ink) Newspaper article from: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL); 7/14/2004
	Shell-selection behavior of the hermit crab Pagurus granosimanus in relation... Magazine article from: Journal of Shellfish Research; 4/1/2007
	Hermit crabs catch on as perfect low-care pet.(Animals) Newspaper article from: The Register Guard (Eugene, OR); 9/26/2004