HCA: Hermit Crab Association

This two Komurasakis (C.violascens) are currently wearing the same type of shells ( Tectarius pagodus ). One previously used spindle shell (Pleuroploca filamentosa), while the other used turban shell for years. The hermit crab who previously used turban shell with round opening is proved here having rounder BP compared to other Komurasaki fellows ( that commonly use long shells with oval or smaller aperture ).




No difference seen from their frontal views:

Interesting!

Kinda reminds me of that C. brevimanus you had that had possesed evenly sized pinchers since it lived in (I believe it was) a PVC pipe (or something) that didn't allow an easy way to create an "operculum" seal with the left claw alone.

Then I think it eventually shrank the right pincher after a molt when you gave it a snail shell to wear.

This is Kelapa, one of my medium indos who had previously accustomed to use sinistral land snail shells. His right pincer was almost as big as the BP. And after molting, it seems that he has started to follow the pattern of dextral snail shells ( since he does prefer dextral shell to the sinistral ones ). However, he still looks weird when clamming up - look how he seal the shell aperture:

I love their coloring its just wonderful adorable crabs

You always have the most awesome crabs! They look terrific.

Wonderful photos! Gorgeous Crabs!

Do you mean that the BP can change shape during a molt to suit a different shaped opening? Might my picky Ecuadorian someday wear a turbo?

ZatHermie wrote:Wonderful photos! Gorgeous Crabs!

Do you mean that the BP can change shape during a molt to suit a different shaped opening? Might my picky Ecuadorian someday wear a turbo?

Yeah ... perhaps ... .