Story: Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans
Hermit crabs make use of empty mollusc shells to protect their soft abdomen. Pictured here is Diacanthurus spinulimanus, a species widely distributed in New Zealand waters to a depth of 300 metres. As they grow, hermit crabs need to find larger shells to accommodate their vulnerable hindquarters.
About this item
Department of Conservation
Reference: 10056296
Photograph by Malcolm Francis
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