
UK Seas
Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores
UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Common hermit crab
Pagurus bernhardus
Type
Crustaceans, Crabs
Description
The most obvious feature is the home a hermit crab lives in: usually a snail shell. Its body is soft and shaped to fit inside spiral-shaped shells.
You can watch a hermit crab change between shells if you provide a selection of potential homes in a pool, then watch patiently and quietly.
Location
In pools, on sand, amongst seaweeds.
Habitat
Rocky shore, Lower shore, Subtidal, Seabed, Rock pools