Orthopagurus minimus   (Toothshell Hermit Crab)

© Aaron Baldwin (Photo ID #2100)

Photographer's Submitted Details

Photo Location	Sitka Sound, SE Alaska
Photographer	Aaron Baldwin
Habitat	35 meters on cobbles
Photo Date
Upload Date	October 18, 2007
Elevation (m)
Latitude
Longitude
Photo ID #	2100
Comments	This unusual hermit lives in the shells of dentalia or tusk shells (Antalis pretiosum) and sometimes worm tubes. The right claw is nearly circular in outline and forms an 'opercula' to block the entrance to the tube when hermit is withdrawn. Photo taken with Pentax Optio W10 underwater submerged in shallow aquarium.