Pagurus novaezelandiae
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| Pagurus novaezelandiae Dana |
Pagurus novaezelandiae, or the New Zealand hermit crab is a hermit crab of the family Paguridae, endemic to New Zealand. It is the most common hermit crab in New Zealand and is found in rock pools and muddy estuaries. Width of the body is up to 16 mm.
At high tide Pagurus novaezelandiae roams freely over the shore feeding on any type of organic matter. At low tide it retreats to pools, and tunnels in muddy areas. It has blue hairy walking legs and knobbly pincers. The twisted abdomen is soft and flexible, with a pair of small strong limbs at the tip, modifications for fitting and gripping the inside of the snail's shell. Because of these adaptations the crab can withdraw its body very quickly.
As the hermit crab grows it must change his shell regularly. Each shell it chooses fits snugly, and it is not long before it needs to be replaced. A number of shells are inspected and tested, and the changeover is carried out very rapidly - a shell-less hermit crab is very vulnerable and a tasty treat for many other seashore inhabitants.
[edit] References
- Miller M & Batt G, Reef and Beach Life of New Zealand, William Collins (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1973
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