Crab ID

[sebastianbawn]

This crab was found at Clevedon just outside of Bristol. Obviously its a hermit crab, and this is a long shot but can anyone identify the species for me? Also do different species only target certain shells for their home?

[zan]

looks like Pagurus bernhardus to me, but it's difficult to tell. P. prideaux is usually associated with the cloak anemone which it carries on its shell, and there is another species (P. cuanensis??) which is v small but has furry claws which I don't think yours has. P bernhardus is v common, and is probably the most likely species.

as far as I'm aware, other than P. prideaux and the anemone, hermit crabs will choose shells that are high quality and a good size for them rather than selecting a particular species' shell. Hope this is some help!