Paguro

Paguro is a term used in several Romance languages, chiefly Italian and Portuguese, to refer to hermit crabs. In English contexts it is not a formal taxonomic name, but it is sometimes used informally to denote members of the hermit crab group within the superfamily Paguroidea, especially those in the family Paguridae and the genus Pagurus. The word thus appears in both everyday language and regional scientific literature to describe these crustaceans.

Hermit crabs are decapod crustaceans that are distinctive for their soft, vulnerably protected abdomen, which they shield by living inside discarded shells. They routinely swap shells as they grow, a behavior that shapes their mobility, predator avoidance, and interactions with other hermit crabs. Most hermit crabs are free-ranging scavengers or omnivores, feeding on detritus, small invertebrates, and algae.

Distribution and habitat: Hermit crabs occur worldwide in marine environments, from shallow intertidal zones to deeper waters. They inhabit a range of substrates, including rocky shores, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms. Some species form associations with other organisms, such as sea anemones that may live on their borrowed shells, providing additional protection.

Ecology and life cycle: Hermit crabs are largely solitary, coming together mainly to exchange shells. They reproduce sexually, with females carrying eggs under the abdomen until hatching. The planktonic larval stages disperse before settling as juvenile crabs.

Human relevance: Some hermit crabs are kept in marine aquariums and are collected for trade. Local populations can be affected by habitat loss, pollution, and over-collection, underscoring the need for sustainable practices.

See also: Hermit crab, Paguroidea, Paguridae, Pagurus.