(Børsabergan - The Trondheim fjord / 22 meters / 07.30.2004)

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Crustacea

Subclass: Malacostraca

Order: Decapoda

Suborder: Pleocyemata

Infraorder: Anomura

Family: Paguridae

Scientific name: Pagurus prideaux

 

Norwegian: anemone-eremittkreps

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Distribution: This hermit crab is usually found between the intertidal zone and a depth of 40 meters depth. Along the Norwegian coast it is well known from Vest-Agder to Nord-Trøndelag. It prefers gravel, sandy or muddy substrates.

Characteristics: This hermit crab is identified by the cloak anemone it carries on its shell. The anemone expands the shell and thus reduces the need for shell changes. The close cooperation between these two neighbors involves protection and food supply. If the hermit crab feels threatened in any way, it uses chemical or mechanical signals to get the anemone to spread out its long pink tentacles. In return the anemone gets to eat the remains from the hermit crab's meals. Young hermit crabs catch young cloak anemones. They grow up together and rarely switch partners.

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