How big does this hermit crab get?

It is a small species, with a carapace length of about 10 mm, among the smaller hermit crabs found on Japanese shores.

What kind of shells does it use?

It favors the empty shells of small marine snails, especially species such as Monodonta, Omphalius, Lunella, and Littorina.

How does it defend itself?

When threatened, it withdraws deep into its shell and blocks the opening with its enlarged right claw, which acts like a door.

Hermit Crabヤドカリ

Pagurus filholiNE— Not Evaluated

This small hermit crab is a common inhabitant of Japan's rocky, wave-exposed shorelines, sheltering in the shells of small marine snails within tide pools and under stones. An omnivorous scavenger, it feeds on detritus, algae, and carrion, and relies on its oversized right claw to seal its shell for protection.

Hermit Crab (reference photo) — Photo: ふうけ / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Decapoda / Paguridae Source
Size: Carapace length about 10 mm, small for a hermit crab
Diet: Omnivore Omnivorous, eating detritus, algae, and carrion
Distribution: Found along rocky, wave-exposed coastlines of Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu (as far south as Yakushima), typically in tide pools and under rocks; also occurs off southern Korea and Taiwan. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Its right claw is noticeably larger than the left, and when startled it retreats deep into its shell and uses that large claw to seal the shell opening for protection. Source
During the breeding season, males have been observed grasping and carrying around the shell of a female prior to mating. Source
It prefers to inhabit the shells of small marine snails such as Monodonta, Omphalius, Lunella, and Littorina species. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3

Susami Chouritsu Ebitokanino SuizokukanWakayama

Source

Kyoto AquariumKyotoAbout a 15-minute walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station.

Source

Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto UniversityWakayamaOpened in 1930

Source

Former facilities

Yokohamaomoshiro SuizokukanKanagawaOpened in 2004

Source

Closed: 2021-11-23 Official Site

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated (NE)

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving: Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei: Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

How big does this hermit crab get?: It is a small species, with a carapace length of about 10 mm, among the smaller hermit crabs found on Japanese shores. Source
What kind of shells does it use?: It favors the empty shells of small marine snails, especially species such as Monodonta, Omphalius, Lunella, and Littorina. Source
How does it defend itself?: When threatened, it withdraws deep into its shell and blocks the opening with its enlarged right claw, which acts like a door. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org