Widehand Hermit

Elassochirus tenuimanus

The Widehand Hermit is a small crustacean belonging to the family Paguridae. It can grow up to 3.0 cm in length and is primarily found in the Eastern Pacific, ranging from Alaska to the USA. This species inhabits rocky intertidal zones and can be found at depths of up to 210 meters. The majority of recorded sightings are from shallower waters, with 45% occurring at depths of less than 40 meters and 90% at depths shallower than 110 meters. Divers may encounter this hermit crab on rocky substrates where it seeks shelter and food. The Widehand Hermit is part of the order Decapoda, which is mostly gonochoric, meaning individuals are either male or female. Their mating behavior includes a precopulatory courtship ritual involving olfactory and tactile cues, and they typically engage in indirect sperm transfer. The conservation status of the Widehand Hermit has not been evaluated by the IUCN. Divers observing this species can expect to see it moving slowly across the substrate, often using its claws to explore its environment. It is not considered a threat to humans.