This is a common variety of hermit
crab found in the Philippines. This species seems to
prefer to decorate its adopted shell home with live sea
anemones. Perhaps the stinging tentacles of the anemone
help deter predators? At any rate, the mobility afforded
the anemone by the crab provide for its well-being. The
relationship bewteen the crab host and the anemone appear
to be a form of symbiosis. View another similar hermit crab Identification: Dardanus pedunculatus (?) |