Stareye Hermit

Dardanus venosus

The Stareye Hermit, also known as Dardanus venosus, is a hermit crab species notable for its unique appearance. It typically grows to a length of 7 to 12 centimeters and is characterized by its left-handedness, with the main chela or pincer on the left front limb. The crab's eyes are a distinctive feature, resembling star-bursts and displaying green or blue hues with dark pupils. The dactyls, or claws, are mauve, covered with clusters of small bluish bristles. This species is found in the shallow waters of the eastern coasts of America, ranging from Florida to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The Stareye Hermit is a scavenger, feeding on detritus and any edible material it encounters on the seabed. It often forms a mutualistic relationship with the sea anemone Calliactis tricolor, which it attaches to its shell for protection. The crab's life cycle involves several larval stages, with eggs likely brooded by the female before the larvae are released into the water column. The species has not been evaluated for conservation status.