Atlantic Giant Hermit (Petrochirus diogenes)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Petrochirus diogenes
- Common name
- Atlantic Giant Hermit
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Diogenidae
- Genus
- Petrochirus
- Size
- 15–30 cm
- Depth
- 5–70 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Petrochirus diogenes reaches 30 cm. Giant hermit crab (Diogenidae) from Atlantic tropical-subtropical. Brown-red, huge asymmetric claws (left > right). Inhabitant of sandy-rocky coastal zones 5-70 m. Robust burrower, powerful nocturnal. Minimally threatened = LC. Observable in Atlantic tropical coastal diving.
Photo of Atlantic Giant Hermit
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic Giant Hermit?
- Atlantic Giant Hermit (Petrochirus diogenes) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic Giant Hermit?
- Atlantic Giant Hermit is found between 5–70 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic Giant Hermit dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic Giant Hermit?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Atlantic Giant Hermit?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Diogenidae
- Clibanarius erythropus - Red-legged hermit crab
- Dardanus pedunculatus - Anemone hermit crab
- Dardanus megistos - Giant Red Hermit Crab
- Aniculus aniculus - Multicolor Dwarf Hermit
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 368346)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2224492)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia