Scott & Jeanette Johnson, Kwajalein Unterwater
Info
Calcinus gaimardii (H. Milne Edwards, 1848)
These hermits are frequently found in coral and rocky areas, in the intertidal zone up to approx. 40 m. They are often found on Pocillopera sp. corals (up to 10 m).
The color is variable, ranging from dull brown to orange. The eye stalks are brown or orange with a light blue and dark blue ring. The antennae are orange. The legs vary from red to orange to brown. The left claw is much larger than the right.
The shell is 1.2 cm, and the total size is max. 4 cm. This hermit crab is therefore one of the smaller species.
Calcinus species are very well suited for keeping in coral aquariums. Like all hermit crabs, they need larger shells on a regular basis, which they quickly move into. Occasionally, they may attack snails in order to obtain a larger dwelling.
Feeds on small zoobenthos.
Can be confused with Calcinus morgani. While Calcinus morgani has blue eye stalks, Calcinus gaimardii has orange eye stalks with a light blue ring followed by a dark blue ring at the top.
Synonyms:
Calcinus terrae-reginae de Man, 1888
Pagurus gaimardii H. Milne Edwards, 1848
These hermits are frequently found in coral and rocky areas, in the intertidal zone up to approx. 40 m. They are often found on Pocillopera sp. corals (up to 10 m).
The color is variable, ranging from dull brown to orange. The eye stalks are brown or orange with a light blue and dark blue ring. The antennae are orange. The legs vary from red to orange to brown. The left claw is much larger than the right.
The shell is 1.2 cm, and the total size is max. 4 cm. This hermit crab is therefore one of the smaller species.
Calcinus species are very well suited for keeping in coral aquariums. Like all hermit crabs, they need larger shells on a regular basis, which they quickly move into. Occasionally, they may attack snails in order to obtain a larger dwelling.
Feeds on small zoobenthos.
Can be confused with Calcinus morgani. While Calcinus morgani has blue eye stalks, Calcinus gaimardii has orange eye stalks with a light blue ring followed by a dark blue ring at the top.
Synonyms:
Calcinus terrae-reginae de Man, 1888
Pagurus gaimardii H. Milne Edwards, 1848
