Staghorn Hermit Crab – Manucomplanus varians

Staghorn Hermit Crabs (Manucomplanus varians) are named for their hydroid and bryozoan shell (primarily the hydroid Janarua mirabilis) which resembles coral. The hermit and its live shell are both omnivorous but while the crab will scavenge the hydroid must be fed invertebrate foods to thrive.

Instead of changing shells like other hermit crabs, the Staghorn Hermit will tend to its live shell and maintain the \