Pagurus bernhardus

Common Hermit Crab ♂ ( Pagurus bernhardus )

The common hermit crab ( Pagurus bernhardus, Syn: Eupagurus bernhardus ) comes on soft and hard floors, in tidal creeks and tidal pools in the northern and western Baltic Sea, the Channel, on the European Atlantic coast and on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Features

He has two pairs of antennae, the second of which is very long, a pair of scissors, which are unequal in size and two strong running legs. The rear body is weichhäutig and is concealed for protection in snail shells. The hind legs behind the walking legs are re-formed and are used to hold the shell. The larger right claw is used to seal the shell opening when the cancer is drawn back into dangerous situations. The smaller left scissors is used as a gripping scissors foraging. The common hermit crab is a filter-feeders and omnivores, who also eats carrion. It is ten inches long and is of yellow, brown or reddish color.

In the course of their growth, the hermit crabs need to change the shell, larger individuals use case of a whelk. Often the shells of colonies of Stachelpolyps are populated, a nettle animal. This polyp grows on the outer edge of the housing and enlarged it so that so that the crabs can live in the body longer. Other cnidarians as the parasites Rose found on the housings. Since both animals benefit from the cancer is protected from the nematocysts of cnidarians, the cnidarians be worn to new feeding grounds, can the relationship as symbiotic.

Pain

Scientists in the UK have found that the Common hermit crab can feel pain and has a memory of pain. Due to power surges, the animals were made ​​to leave their homes. During the subsequent search for a new shell the crabs studied this much more superficial than it normally would these animals. This behavior has been interpreted to mean that they responded specifically to the negative experience. Scientists conduct based on the results from an increased need for action to protect shellfish.