Hermit crab, Dardanus calidus, from the Mediterranean Sea, Malta.

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This species of hermit, Dardanus calidus, can reach a size of 12 cm in length as one of the biggest species of hermit crabs. It can be found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Atlantic. Hermit crabs use abandoned shells to protect their soft abdomen. Usually they also associate themselves with anemone, which are put on top of the shells. This is a true form of symbiosis as both parties benefit from this relationship. The anemone gets part of the food of the crab, while the crab gains additional protection against predators by the anemone's stinging cells. These hermit crabs are scavengers, feeding on dead organic material found in the sea bed. They are usually encountered in shallow waters, but can also be found in a depth of more than 100 m.

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Size: 3486px × 2866px
Location: Inland Sea, Gozo, Malta
Photo credit: © Rasmus Loeth Petersen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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