Summary
Habitat & Distribution
Morphology
Population Demographics
Investigation: An up-close look at the unique and complex appendages of an aquatic hermit crab
Gas exchange
Internal transport
Excretion
Nervous system
Feeding & Digestion
Reproduction
Development & larvae
Behaviour
Evolution & Phylogeny
Conservation, Threats, and Importance
References |
Summary
Hermit crabs are a unique type of decapod which utilise old gastropod shells as a portable residence to protect their soft abdomen. The Blue striped hermit crab is a widely distributed variety which prefers mangrove and mudflat habitats, and is characterised, as indicated by the name, by striking blue stripes down the 2nd and 3rd pair of pereipods or 'walking legs'. This species along with its close relatives are marine and are not adapted to live long periods of time on land. Crustacean bodies are equipped with numerous pairs of appendages that are highly specialised and vary immensely in morphology to suit certain functions around their head and along their body. An investigation was done on this species to try and observe and photograph some of these appendages up-close. Hermit crabs, like other arthropods, are quite complex invertebrates and have highly organised body plans for dealing with gas exchange, internal transport, excretion, the nervous system, feeding and digestion, and reproduction. This level of complexity has lead them to develop a range of behaviours and social patterns like territory defence, fighting for empty shells etc. Being a widespread and abundant species with no economic importance, the Blue striped hermit crab species is not under any threat of extinction. |
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