Physical Description
The Hermit Crab, Pagurus armatus, is a decapod crustacean with a soft, asymmetrical abdomen protected by a borrowed shell. It typically measures between 2 to 4 centimeters in length and has a brown or reddish-brown coloration.
Habitat and Geographical Range
Found in the Monterey Bay area, Hermit Crabs inhabit a variety of marine habitats, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds. They are commonly distributed along the Pacific coast of North America.
Diet and Reproduction
Hermit Crabs are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates. They reproduce via sexual reproduction, with females carrying fertilized eggs attached to their abdomen until hatching into planktonic larvae.
