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