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 "hole" in the coral to fit its body size. There are also reports of the crab crawling out of the shell to trim the antler-like growths on the back of the "shell". These crabs cannot right themselves if flipped over and should be kept in peaceful, predator-free environments.