Eye Spot Hermit Crab

Paguristes eremita

The eye spot hermit crab is a small crustacean found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Portugal to Morocco. It inhabits depths of 10 to 50 meters, often residing in sandy seabeds and seagrass meadows, particularly among Neptune grass. This hermit crab is easily recognizable by its orange-red to brown coloration and distinctive greyish-blue eyes. A unique feature is the purplish spot at the base of the dactylus, which helps in identifying this species. Paguristes eremita typically occupies the empty shells of gastropod mollusks, offering it protection. It is often associated with various marine organisms such as the sea anemone Calliactis parasitica, epizoanthids, hydroids, and the sponge Suberites domuncula, which attach themselves to the shell. As a detritivore, it feeds on organic matter found on the ocean floor. The species breeds throughout the year, with planktonic larvae that undergo several developmental stages before becoming juvenile hermit crabs. Divers encountering this species may observe its slow movements as it scavenges along the seabed. It is harmless to humans and is not currently evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.