Distribution and habitats: The distribution of\u00a0the giant hermit crab occurs where its preferred warm temperature, proper salinity and depth are available. While the crab juveniles can be found both inshore in estuaries, their adults do generally occur offshore or around inlets and near-shore reefs.<\/span><\/h3>\nThe species is found on muddy, sandy, and shelly bottoms at depths that could range from near-shore to more than 100 meters; turtle grass beds and in the mangrove areas are examples.<\/span><\/p>\nFeeding habits:<\/b> The giant hermit crab preys on a variety of other invertebrates, and feeds on macroalgae.\u00a0 Because of its opportunistic behavior, the species does likely occur where a continuous flow of feeding opportunities do exist.<\/span><\/p>\nPredators:<\/b> In spite of their large size, the giant hermit crab could be preyed upon by some predators such as the Kemp\u2019s Ridley sea turtle,\u00a0the nassau grouper,\u00a0and large bony fishes, rays, and octopus.<\/span><\/p>\nReproduction and life cycle:<\/b> The giant hermit crab reproduces sexually in which the male spermatophore is transferred to the female who clutches the fertilized eggs on her abdomen throughout the embryonic development. Hatched larvae pass through different planktonic stages with a duration range of about 30-80 days depending on food availability and water temperature. Afterwards, and through the metamorphosis, the juvenile crab is produced. Juveniles must select larger gastropod shells of the most appropriate size and shape in which they live and continue to grow.<\/span><\/p>\nGiant hermit crabs and their associates:<\/b> The species is an example of obligatorily associated organisms whereas benthic juveniles must find an appropriately-sized host of marine gastropod snail shell in which they continue to grow. As they grow, the crabs continue looking for larger shells to fit their growing bodies. Because of their large sizes, the discarded shells of large mollusks such as the Queen Conch and the tulip snails are favorite hosts to the crabs.<\/span><\/p>\nThe giant hermit can also be associated with other invertebrates; the hermit crab anemone,\u00a0the porcelain crab,\u00a0and the zebra flatworm are examples. Some of these associations such as the anemones, the crabs provide mobile shelter to the anemones that are attached to the shells of the crab. This is in addition to obtaining food as well as reducing the competition from other anemones. In turn, the anemone affords the crab camouflage and some degree of protection, via its stinging tentacles, from potential crab predators such as octopus.<\/span><\/p>\n
Feeding habits:<\/b> The giant hermit crab preys on a variety of other invertebrates, and feeds on macroalgae.\u00a0 Because of its opportunistic behavior, the species does likely occur where a continuous flow of feeding opportunities do exist.<\/span><\/p>\n Predators:<\/b> In spite of their large size, the giant hermit crab could be preyed upon by some predators such as the Kemp\u2019s Ridley sea turtle,\u00a0the nassau grouper,\u00a0and large bony fishes, rays, and octopus.<\/span><\/p>\n Reproduction and life cycle:<\/b> The giant hermit crab reproduces sexually in which the male spermatophore is transferred to the female who clutches the fertilized eggs on her abdomen throughout the embryonic development. Hatched larvae pass through different planktonic stages with a duration range of about 30-80 days depending on food availability and water temperature. Afterwards, and through the metamorphosis, the juvenile crab is produced. Juveniles must select larger gastropod shells of the most appropriate size and shape in which they live and continue to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n Giant hermit crabs and their associates:<\/b> The species is an example of obligatorily associated organisms whereas benthic juveniles must find an appropriately-sized host of marine gastropod snail shell in which they continue to grow. As they grow, the crabs continue looking for larger shells to fit their growing bodies. Because of their large sizes, the discarded shells of large mollusks such as the Queen Conch and the tulip snails are favorite hosts to the crabs.<\/span><\/p>\n The giant hermit can also be associated with other invertebrates; the hermit crab anemone,\u00a0the porcelain crab,\u00a0and the zebra flatworm are examples. Some of these associations such as the anemones, the crabs provide mobile shelter to the anemones that are attached to the shells of the crab. This is in addition to obtaining food as well as reducing the competition from other anemones. In turn, the anemone affords the crab camouflage and some degree of protection, via its stinging tentacles, from potential crab predators such as octopus.<\/span><\/p>\n
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