Blueband Hermit Crab
ExploreAnimal
Blueband Hermit Crab
pagurus samuelis
The Blueband Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis) is a charismatic and highly active intertidal crustacean native to the rocky tide pools of the Pacific coast of North America. Renowned for its lively behavior, this small hermit crab is a favorite among tidepoolers due to its constant movement, scurrying over rocks and wrestling with peers for optimal discarded snail shells. Unlike true crabs, hermit crabs possess a soft, vulnerable abdomen, which forces them to inhabit abandoned gastropod shells to protect themselves from predators and harsh atmospheric exposure during low tide.
Habitat: Found in the high to middle rocky intertidal zones, particularly in shallow tide pools and among cobblestones along wave-swept ocean shores.
Appearance
The Blueband Hermit Crab is easily identified by the bright blue bands wrapping around the tips of its walking legs, which contrast with its olive-green to reddish-brown body color. It has bright blue or white stripes near its joints and possesses dark antennae with distinct red bands. This species is relatively small, with a carapace length rarely exceeding 2 centimeters. It is almost always seen residing inside a protective spiral shell, most frequently that of the black turban snail, with its unequal, bumpy claws (chelae) visible at the entrance.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderDecapodaFamilyPaguridaeGenusPagurus
Category
AnimalRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
They are highly social and are frequently found clustering together in damp rock crevices during low tide to conserve water and protect themselves from land predators.
They use chemical cues in the water to detect when a snail has died, rushing to the scene to compete for the newly vacant home.
When outgrowing their shells, these hermit crabs will often line up by size to execute a chain-reaction shell exchange, where each crab moves into the next larger vacant shell.
Special abilities
Ability
Shell Selection Mastery
Uses precise tactile and visual senses to evaluate, clean, and select empty gastropod shells, upgrading to larger homes as it grows to protect its soft abdomen.
Ability
Desiccation Resistance
Seals its shell opening tightly using its modified claws to trap moisture inside, allowing it to survive hours of exposure to dry air during low tide.
Ability
Agile Rock Climbing
Utilizes sharp-pointed tips on its walking legs to grip slippery, wave-battered rocky surfaces without being washed out to sea.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1+ cm
- Weight
- 0.002+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Clutch Size
- 100+
- Incubation
- 14+ days
Diet & Feeding
An opportunistic scavenger that feeds on macroalgae, microscopic organic detritus, and small dead animal matter found in tide pools.
Primary Foods
- Microalgae
- Detritus
- Carrion
- Sea lettuce
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
mutualism
Black Turban Snail
Tegula funebralis
Provides essential shell shelters for the hermit crab after the snail dies.
eaten by
Striped Shore Crab
Pachygrapsus crassipes
Actively hunts and cracks open smaller hermit crabs in rocky tide pools.
eaten by
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Western Gull
Larus occidentalis
Opportunistically predates on hermit crabs exposed during low tide.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Blueband Hermit Crab?
The easiest way to identify Blueband Hermit Crab is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Blueband Hermit Crab?
1+ cm
How much does Blueband Hermit Crab weigh?
0.002+ kg
How long does Blueband Hermit Crab live?
1+ years
What does Blueband Hermit Crab eat?
An opportunistic scavenger that feeds on macroalgae, microscopic organic detritus, and small dead animal matter found in tide pools.
Where is Blueband Hermit Crab usually found?
Found in the high to middle rocky intertidal zones, particularly in shallow tide pools and among cobblestones along wave-swept ocean shores.
How does Blueband Hermit Crab hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Blueband Hermit Crab lay?
100+
Snap Map
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Where to spot
Zoo27 sightings12 species
California, US
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
You might spot Sunburst Anemone and Striped Shore Crab.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Crystal Cove Historic District
You might spot Sunburst Anemone, Ochre Sea Star, and Striped Shore Crab.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Fort MacArthur
You might spot Sunburst Anemone and Striped Shore Crab.
View guide →
Park12 sightings12 species
California, US
Sherman Library and Gardens
You might spot Sunburst Anemone and Striped Shore Crab.
View guide →