On Reiono, several purple hermit crabs may work at the same coconut, pulling fibres away until the flesh is within reach.
- Local names
- 'Oruhi ; 'Ua
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
About this species
One of Tetiaroa’s larger hermit crabs, Coenobita brevimanus is widespread in the Indo-Pacific. Its colours range from reddish purple to deep violet. Cylindrical eyestalks distinguish it from land hermit crabs whose eyestalks are flattened sideways. Two pairs of antennae help it smell and feel its way.
It mainly occupies grassy ground and forest inside the motu, sometimes venturing onto the beach. It can live well inland, provided humid shelter is available. Salt or brackish water held inside its borrowed shell helps prevent dehydration, and most activity takes place at night.
Plant remains and animal material both feature in its diet. On Reiono, the Society’s guides have watched groups stripping coconut husks and feeding on the flesh. A varied diet also supplies calcium needed to rebuild the exoskeleton after moulting; a deficiency can disrupt that process.
