Tiny Hermit Crab

Micropagurus acantholepis

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

This tiny hermit crab is a drab dirty yellow, mottled with red-brown, and has thinner claws than others. The lobe above each eye is decorated with tiny spines; other species have just a simple spike but a microscope is needed to see this feature

Size

Up to 12 mm long

Habitat

Intertidal under stones, to depths of 45 m

Distribution

Southern temperate oceans, including south-eastern Australia

Gallery

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References & citations (1)

Taylor, J. & Poore, G.C.B., 2011, Tiny Hermit Crab, Micropagurus acantholepis, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Tiny Hermit Crab
Scientific name: Micropagurus acantholepis (Stimpson, 1858)
Family: Paguridae
Category: Sea Life › Crabs
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.