Story: Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans

Hermit crab

Hermit crab

Hermit crabs make use of empty mollusc shells to protect their soft abdomen. Pictured here is Diacanthurus spinulimanus, a species widely distributed in New Zealand waters to a depth of 300 metres. As they grow, hermit crabs need to find larger shells to accommodate their vulnerable hindquarters.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10056296
Photograph by Malcolm Francis

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How to cite this page:

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, 'Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans - Crabs', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8230/hermit-crab (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, published 12 Jun 2006