20/02/2023
Paguroidae (hermit crabs) are well-recognized for their noncalcified and coiled hind body requiring protection from predation. For this purpose they inhabit gastropod shells, whereas a small number of species use other molluscs, hollowed fragments of woods and stones or immobile domiciles such as calcareous tubes, sponges and corals. More than 800 species of hermit crabs have been described, nearly all of which are marine. They range from shallow reefs to deep sea bottoms and have predatory or scavenging habits.
