Pagurus

Pagurus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pagurus: //pəˈɡjʊərəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Pagurus longicarpus (I0349) (13048547113) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis) (3108615732) by Jerry Kirkhart from Los Osos, Calif.. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Blue-banded Hermit Crab crop by Blue-banded_Hermit_Crab.jpg: Linda Tanner derivative work: Stemonitis (talk). Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Blue-banded Hermit Crab by Linda Tanner. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Pagurussamuelis by jkirkhart35. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Hermit crabs scavenge at Gumboot chiton 1 by Brocken Inaglory. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Pagurus is a genus of hermit crabs known for its non-calcified abdomen and shell usage for protection. Comprising approximately 180 species, they are common in marine environments and play important ecological roles as scavengers.

Physical Characteristics

Non-calcified abdomen; uses marine snail shells for protection.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic soft abdomen and shell usage common in hermit crabs; distinct species often have specific shell types corresponding to their size and behavior.

Habitat

Found in marine environments, often along coastlines and in shallow waters.

Distribution

Global distribution with numerous species occupying various marine habitats.

Diet

Omnivorous, primarily preying on small animals and scavenging for carrion.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes larval stages in the water before metamorphosing into juveniles that inhabit shells.

Reproduction

Reproduction is sexual with females carrying fertilized eggs; eggs are released into the water where larvae develop.

Predators

Natural predators include larger fish, birds, and other marine animals that feed on crustaceans.

Ecosystem Role

Plays important roles in marine ecosystems, including scavenging and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Economic Impact

Some species are of interest in fisheries and as marine pets.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection from intertidal zones
  • Diving for deep-water species

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol fixation
  • Freezing
  • Drying in desiccators

Evolution

Part of the diverse infraorder Anomura, showcasing significant evolutionary adaptations to marine lifestyles.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistakenly grouped with true crabs; however, hermit crabs differ significantly due to their shell usage.

Tags

  • Crustacea
  • Hermit crab
  • Marine biology
  • Paguridae