New species of hermit crab discovered
Introducing the Strawberry-clawed Hermit, a newly described hermit crab species with vivid crimson claws and a unique capability to generate sounds underwater.
A new species of hermit crab, distinguished by its striking crimson claws, has been described by scientists at Queensland Museum.
The discovery was described by Queensland Museum Honorary Peter Davie and Queensland Museum Collection Manager Dr. Marissa McNamara. It places the hermit crab in relatively deep waters, between 120 and 260 meters, off southeastern Queensland.
The species has been given the common name "Strawberry-Clawed Hermit." Its scientific name, Strigopagurus fragarchela, merges the Latin word for strawberry (Fragaria) with chela, referencing the vivid red claws and walking legs.
Besides its crimson claws, the hermit crab possesses a unique way to produce underwater sound, similar to the way cicadas create sound.
Although the hermit crab has only been collected via trawler catches, the scientists are confident that the species is essential to the marine communities of the continental shelf off southeastern Queensland. “The identification of Strigopagurus fragarchela is an exciting addition to the genus, for which Australia appears to be the stronghold. We now have four endemic species, two of which are only found in Queensland,” said Dr McNamara.
