Acadian Hermit Crab (Pagurus acadianus)

from $85.00
Quantity:

Live Acadian Hermit Crab (Pagurus acadianus)
Please note this is a live science specimen.

The Acadian Hermit Crab (Pagurus acadianus) is a small, hardy crustacean native to Maine’s intertidal zones. Found scuttling among pebbles, mud, and tide pools, these social crabs occupy empty shells for protection and are a favorite in marine aquariums, classrooms, and coastal education programs. Their bright red coloration and active behavior make them fascinating to observe in group settings.

Sustainably hand-collected along the Gulf of Maine’s working waterfront.

Key Facts:
Common name: Acadian hermit crab
Scientific name: Pagurus acadianus
Location: intertidal zones on muddy or pebbly bottoms, found in tide pools
Seasonality: available all year
Color: red
Size: 1" – 2"
Collected: by hand
Quantity: sold by the each
Note: Shell type and size may vary. Keep in seawater and avoid freshwater exposure.

Live Acadian Hermit Crab (Pagurus acadianus)
Please note this is a live science specimen.

The Acadian Hermit Crab (Pagurus acadianus) is a small, hardy crustacean native to Maine’s intertidal zones. Found scuttling among pebbles, mud, and tide pools, these social crabs occupy empty shells for protection and are a favorite in marine aquariums, classrooms, and coastal education programs. Their bright red coloration and active behavior make them fascinating to observe in group settings.

Sustainably hand-collected along the Gulf of Maine’s working waterfront.

Key Facts:
Common name: Acadian hermit crab
Scientific name: Pagurus acadianus
Location: intertidal zones on muddy or pebbly bottoms, found in tide pools
Seasonality: available all year
Color: red
Size: 1" – 2"
Collected: by hand
Quantity: sold by the each
Note: Shell type and size may vary. Keep in seawater and avoid freshwater exposure.

A hermit crab without a borrowed shell home!  Acadian hermits look more like squat lobsters than crabs.

A hermit crab without a borrowed shell home!  Acadian hermits look more like squat lobsters than crabs.

Tidepool Tim says, "Hermit crabs are a lot of fun to watch and keep in a tank. They're naturally social creatures and are often in groups of 100 or more. They're vulnerable without their shell homes, so when they start to outgrow their residence, they keep their eyes out for a new one. They have even been known to help each other look for new shells, and form lines from largest to smallest when a new shell shows up to their environment. They also like to decorate their shells with camouflage and stinging anemones for protection. If you have a hermit crabs, look out for empty shells on the beach to bring home for them!"

You Might Also Like