One Giant Claw for Crab Kind

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.

Widehand Hermit Crab-1.jpg

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

For more images and stories - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/

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Why is that crap so colorful? The close shot is so beautiful @scottdphoto. Thanks for sharing it!

What depth was this photo taken? The lighting is so good and I know how hard it can be to get good underwater lighting.

I shot this about 10 meters (30 ft.) on the sand at a local dive site. Ogden Point Breakwater

Did you need additional lighting or red filters?

Wow man, Its amazing the colors you find in the underworld, What camera do you mostly use?

I do all of my underwater work with a Canon 5d in an Aquatica housing and duel Ikelite strobes. I used a Canon 100mm macro lens for this shot.

well i think its beautiful

So incredibly colorful! I'm amazed! He's really cute!

Beautiful photo. Sea creatures always look like aliens to me☺

Omg! So cute heheh I used to have a pet hermit crab named Shelly ❤️

Cool picture.

That colours hypnotized me 💙

I didn't know about that crabs. I learned something new today.

Thanks for share. U have a nice day!