This exhibit has ended.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is pleased to announce the world's first successful breeding of a deep-sea hermit crab species. Parents and offspring can be seen at the aquarium.

≪ヤスリヤドカリ≫
Scientific name：Strigopagurus boreonotus

This medium-sized hermit crab species lives at depths from around 400 to 600 meters. It has distinctive file-like projections on its claws, and red and white eyestalks. Although this deep-sea species is a relatively common find during surveys, most of its ecology is still unknown.

Place of exhibit

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium "Small Life in the Deep Sea"

Size of Exhibit

3 adults (carapace around 30 mm) 3 juveniles (carapace 2.5 mm)

Exhibit duration

Until the end of December 2021 (Currently Scheduled)
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

In February 2021, the adult specimens of the hermit crab species produced larval hatchlings while on display in the Deep Sea Tank. The hatchling larvae were reared in a specialist nursery tank. 93 days after hatching, and having gone through two larval stages, they metamorphosed into juvenile hermit crabs.
 

*All sizes are carapace

Successful breeding has allowed us to better understand the ecology of this hermit crab species. It has revealed information such as body color and size of larval stages, and the length of time from floating to settling on the sea floor. Please take this opportunity to see the juveniles of this hermit crab species that developed while overcoming water temperature changes of more than 10 degrees Celsius.