![]() More chromatophores are added in each stage of zoeal development: megalops have areas of red and pale-yellow coloration and adults are reddish-brown. ![]() Zoeal larvae are thin, long, and yellowish-red in color. ![]() Zoeal stages take 39-47 days to complete, with the megalopa stage requiring an additional 13 days on average total development time averages 60 days. Common hermit crabs pass through four zoeal stages and a glaucothoe/megalopa stage before reaching adulthood. Females carry eggs until they hatch (2 months, on average). Range length 8 (high) cm 3.15 (high) inĮggs of this species are black in color.( "ARKive", 2012 "World Association of Zoos and Aquariums", 2012 Babu and Anger, 1987 Briffa, et al., 2008a Briffa, et al., 2008b Doake, et al., 2010 Elwood and Briffa, 2001 Reiss, et al., 2005 Tϋrkay, 2013) ![]() Common hermit crabs have compound eyes and four short antennae. Chelae and walking leg surfaces are rough. Of the two claws, one is larger and is covered by an operculum this claw is used in fighting and defense. Chelae are used for gathering food and for protection. These crabs have 5 pairs of walking legs the first pair are enlarged claws (known as chelae) those of males are larger than those of females. Individuals may attack each other in attempts to claim ownership of a shell. The size of the shell is important because it affects the fitness of the hermit crab-a shell that is too large does not offer the best protection and a shell that is too small restricts its growth. Compared to most hermit crabs, Common hermit crabs prefer a lighter shell. Their last two pairs of walking legs are greatly reduced, and are used to hold the shell in place. These crabs inhabit the abandoned shells of animals, such as edible periwinkles ( Littorina littorea), flat periwinkles ( Littorina obtusata), dog whelks ( Nucella lapillus) and other whelks ( Buccinum sp.), using them as protection for their soft bodies. The abdomen is soft and coiled to the right and body color is typically reddish or brown. The cephalothorax is encased by a carapace consisting of three thick cuticle layers: epicuticle, exocuticle, and endocuticle (maximum carapace length is 4.5 cm).
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