whitespotted hermit
| Scientific name | Dardanus megistos |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Herbst |
| Year of description | 1804 |
| IUCN category | NE |
| Family | Diogenidae |
| Genus | Dardanus |
Introduction
Dardanus megistos, commonly known as whitespotted hermit, is a salt water crustacea.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size15 cm
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Maximum size20 cm
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Longevity30 year
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ShapeUnclassifiable
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Patternponctuations
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Average size15 cm
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Maximum size20 cm
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Longevity30 year
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ShapeUnclassifiable
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Patternponctuations
How to recognize the whitespotted hermit ?
The whitespotted hermit measures between 15 and 20 cm. this crustacea is bicolore with a predominantly rouge and orange body. The also has blanc ponctuations.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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VenomousNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
Like all crustaceans, The whitespotted hermit molts whenever it becomes cramped in its shell. Before the hardening of its new body, it is more vulnerable and spends a good part of its time hidden. This mechanism, very complex, allows the periodic renewal of the exoskeleton and part of the internal skeleton. It is also during the moult that the females become fertile.
The whitespotted hermit is a crustacea solitary. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency .
Although the whitespotted hermit is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
The whitespotted hermit is a crustacea ovipare. this crustacea protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature24 - 29 °C
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Depth0 - 50 m
Biotope presentation
The whitespotted hermit is most often found at a depth between 0m and 50m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
Species of the same family
Calcinus elegans
Diogenidae
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Tags
Species of the same family
Calcinus elegans
Diogenidae
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners
