How big is the Giant Red Hermit Crab?

Giant Red Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos) reaches 20–35 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Giant Red Hermit Crab?

Giant Red Hermit Crab is found between 10–80 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Giant Red Hermit Crab?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Giant Red Hermit Crab?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Giant Red Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos)

Key facts

Scientific name: Dardanus megistos
Common name: Giant Red Hermit Crab
Category: Crustaceans
Family: Diogenidae
Genus: Dardanus
Size: 20–35 cm
Depth: 10–80 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, rocky-reef, sandy-bottom
Behaviours: benthic, nocturnal
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Dardanus megistos reaches 35 cm. Giant hermit crab (Diogenidae) from Indo-Pacific tropics. Brick-red carapace, massive red claws. Carries large volute shell. Reef inhabitant 10-80 m. Nocturnal predator-detritivore. Minimally threatened = LC. Highly observable in tropical coastal macro.

Photo of Giant Red Hermit Crab

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant Red Hermit Crab?: Giant Red Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos) reaches 20–35 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant Red Hermit Crab?: Giant Red Hermit Crab is found between 10–80 m deep.
Is the Giant Red Hermit Crab dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant Red Hermit Crab?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Giant Red Hermit Crab?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Dardanus

Dardanus pedunculatus - Anemone hermit crab

Other species in the family Diogenidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 208700)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2224426)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia