For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Hermit Crab fight - Yellow-banded Hermit Crab (ClibanariusVirescens)


In a shallow tidal pool, I came across three Hermit Crabs fighting for the possession of a larger shell. For a while I thought the drab grey one would win but it was two against one. Then a forth crab joined in ….

The smallest crab is about 1cm in length but can grow up to 2cm. They are found along the eastern coast.

Unfortunately by this time my camera battery got too low so I never saw who the victor was.

Excuse the poor quality of the pictures but these were taken through the water.