Coenobitidae
Coenobitidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Eucarida
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Anomura
- Superfamily: Paguroidea
- Family: Coenobitidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coenobitidae: /ˌsiːnəˈbɪtədaɪ/
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Summary
The Coenobitidae family comprises terrestrial hermit crabs that are fully adapted to life on land, yet rely on marine environments for reproduction. They exhibit a complex life cycle starting as planktonic larvae before maturing and settling on terrestrial habitats where they inhabit gastropod shells for protection.
Physical Characteristics
Terrestrial hermit crabs that utilize gastropod shells for protection.
Identification Tips
Look for crabs that carry shells and are found in coastal areas; they have a distinct ability to live on land as adults.
Habitat
Coastal tropical regions, primarily on land but reliant on the ocean for reproduction.
Distribution
Widespread in coastal tropical regions around the world.
Diet
Detritivorous; primarily feed on plant materials, organic detritus, and some detritivores.
Life Cycle
Begins life as planktonic larvae that develop through zoeal stages to a megalopa before settling on land.
Reproduction
Females return to the sea to hatch eggs; larvae are planktonic initially before transitioning to land.
Ecosystem Role
Important scavengers in their ecosystems; help in the decomposition of organic materials.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Hand collection during low tide
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Freezing
Similar Taxa
- Marine hermit crabs
Misconceptions
Often misidentified as purely marine crabs despite their terrestrial adaptations.
Tags
- hermit crabs
- terrestrial
- crustaceans
- Coenobita