Species Type:
Invertebrates
Common Name(s):
Flat claw hermit crab
Size:
Flat claw hermit crabs grow to a maximum length of 2 inches (5 centimeters).
Diet:
Hermit crabs eat algae, marine debris and other tiny particles.
Range & Habitat:
Found in grass flats, sandy and rocky bottom habitats, flat claw hermit crabs are common in the Gulf of Mexico.
Details:
Hermit crabs rely on abandoned shells for protection, and they are known to “shop” for a new shell as they grow, a behavior known as “shell swapping”. Their right claw is much larger than their left, which is typically used for defense and carrying their shells.