Aniculus hopperae
Species of hermit crab
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aniculus hopperae, also known as reticulated Hawaiian hermit, is a species of hermit crab in the family Diogenidae from the Pacific Ocean.[2][3] The specific name hopperae honors Carol N. Hopper from Waikīkī Aquarium.[1]
| Aniculus hopperae | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Anomura |
| Family: | Diogenidae |
| Genus: | Aniculus |
| Species: | A. hopperae |
| Binomial name | |
| Aniculus hopperae McLaughlin & Hoover, 1996[1] | |
Description
This species stands out from its congeners in appearance. Aniculus hopperae features a bright red base coloration with black "bracelets" on the scissor arms, unlike the similar Aniculus simbogae, which lacks this pattern. Typically medium-sized, the holotype specimen from Oahu, Hawaii, measures 6.3 mm (0.25 in) in shield length and was collected at a depth of 8 m (26 ft). The hermit crab's arms are red with black spots, its eyestalks have a bright orange hue, and it displays a web-like white pattern. These distinct markings help in identifying the species.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Aniculus hopperae is known from a number of localities in the Pacific: Hawaii (type locality: Oahu[1]), Line Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Clipperton Island.[4] Aniculus hopperae predominantly inhabits rocky coastlines, where it seeks shelter under small outcroppings and within caves.[1] In Hawaii, it thrives at depths of up to 23 m (75 ft).[1]
