Description: A crab's
body is usually covered in calcified armor. However, the hermit crab lacks this protection on its abdomen. The
crab will protect its abdomen into the deserted shell of a gastropod. It is for this very reason that
the abdomen is bent. Not only is a shell the crab's home, it also serves as a good hiding place against predators,
and a great source of protection.
For other references and photos, please consult the web sites below.
http://www.xs4all.nl/~pal/hetmit.htm (This site contains pictures.)
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BMLSS/crustace.htm#HermitCrabs (This site contains pictures.)
For more information see