This comically large handed, colourful hermit crab is a fun little creature to find on a dive. Widehand Hermit crabs are most often found in areas near rocky outcrops or sandy bottoms. Its range extends from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Puget Sound, Washington. Identified by the purplish-blue patches on the inner segments of its walking legs, and its reddish-brown, orange, yellow, and white colouration on the carapace. But the main distinction from all other hermit crabs is its disproportionately large flattened right claw which has a granular surface and spiny margins. These little crabs only reach about 5 cm in length but there claws can be twice as large as their bodies.
While the comically large right claw seems like it could be cumbersome for movement, the Widehand Hermit gets along quite well by bending it beneath its body while walking, additionally the claw comes in quite handy as a way to seal its shell when the hermit retreats into its shell.
These guys are fantastic macro subjects, just approach slowly that way they don’t disappear into their shells and you lose your shot.
Have a great day everyone and thanks for reading.
Scott
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