HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I was at Maldives recently and exploring the pristine beaches and sea which is teeming with life. I managed to snorkel with turtles, rays, reef sharks, etc. as well as explore the beaches of deserted islands. And of course, how can I possibly forget the hermit crabs, here are some photos:


A view of the island resort from the seaplane


The deserted island which I visited


First encounter with 2 of these little creatures at the edge














Marine hermit crabs


Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed the entire experience.

Please if you should visit these places, never remove the marine creatures and bring them home.

.I love the pictures.

I love seeing the wild crabs doing there thing, thanks so much for sharing!

Great pics! Thank you for sharing them with us.

Wonderful pics! Thanks for sharing .

Love it, thanks for sharing (those are rugs right?)

Awesome photos! It must have been wonderful to experience that in person.

I can't tell what species they are!! They have the Ruggie shaped claws which are very distinctive, but I'm not seeing any stitch marks and the shield leg is the wrong shape and the eyes and color seem all wrong. It could be multiple species. It's supposed to be Indos, Straws, and Ruggies in the Maldives, but it doesn't look like anyone has done taxonomic studies since the 1800's...

Wow great pics!Those are amazing crabs!A friend of mine who went there last year actually managed to smuggle back 12 crabs in his luggage,there were a few more which did not make it,long story short now there is only 1 left in a critter keeper since most of them died from being attacked during a molt.....I feel sorry for them as they are truly beautiful,they lived in a 30 gallon,with dry white sand and no saltwater,I told him many times the importance of both of these,he did not listen.By now most of you may be thinking I have horrible friends.

Thanks for your compliments.

I am not exactly sure what species they are although there is a high possiblity that they are ruggies. They come in many colors.

There are awareness videos and posters at the domestic terminal and resorts which inform tourist to mimimise damage to the sealife and not to poach. Apparently, you are not even allowed to bring back seashells. Before departure from maldives, lugagge will be scanned, so its better not to take the risk and getting detained.

Well,somehow he managed to smuggle through the terminal,which puzzles me as well.Unfortunately, this is the only pic of his crabs,I have

Your so lucky!