Stareye Hermit Crab

Dardanus venosus

Did you know that crabs are classified as either right-handed or left-handed? The Stareye Hermit Crab is a member of the Left-Handed family of Hermit Crabs.  Hermit Crabs prefer conch and other snail shells that have a flat horizontal opening rather than a Whelk Shell that is vertical with a round opening. The crab in the lower pictures is looking to change his residence to something more suitable to him.  Don't remove shells from the water, nine  times out of ten they are occupied, whether you think so or not.  Small hermits will take up residence in a much larger shell than they need grow into it. When small, they can disappear completely, deep inside.