Pagurus anachoretus
Pagurus anachoretus
Special features
As if the Pagurus anachoretus wasn't already noticeable enough with his striped dress, it is also a real model: his eyes are intensely light blue or light green and therefore an additional eye-catcher.
Although there are 26 species of this genus in the Mediterranean, the Pagurus anachoretus can be identified quite clearly thanks to its unequal claws, pattern, and hair.
Appearance
The crab in striped pajamas or something... well, with its color and pattern, it immediately stands out: bright red to reddish brown with white stripes on the legs, claws, stem eyes, and antennae.
If you look very closely, you will see that its eye stems are actually white and always have exactly two red stripes.
Its surface is smooth but with individually protruding and very long hairs.
This striped tiny creature grows up to 4 cm and its right claw is always bigger than the left one.
Natural enemies
Octopus, fish
Dangerous/venomous
The striped rock recluse is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. White stem eyes with exactly two red stripes
2. Short, striped antennas
3. Long, striped antennas
4. Right claws bigger than the left
Pro tips
Although the Pagurus anachoretus has a lot in common with the Hermit crab, it goes its own way when it comes to symbioses#: when it comes to symbioses: that of a loner.
It is only very rarely seen with a hermit rose on its back, its housing is usually clean and it behaves like a lone underwater wolf, but it doesn't look nearly as dangerous.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Felician Hosp, Sabine Probst
Illustration: Dive Dict
