Anemone Hermit Crab

Superpower

Plants stinging anemones on its borrowed shell as living, stinging armour.

At a glance

Size

typically 4 cm, up to 10 cm

Lifespan

4–10 years

Depth

1–30 m

Habitat

Sandy and rubble seabeds near reefs.

Diet

Scavenged scraps, detritus and algae.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Fun facts

• •It sticks anemones onto its shell for protection.
• •When it moves house, it carefully transfers the anemones too.
• •Like all hermit crabs, it borrows empty snail shells.