I first encountered hermit crabs many years ago on the muddy tidal flats around Darwin well before I began diving.

Since then I’ve learned they are everywhere and more than happy to take residence in someone else’s abandoned home.

This Hermit Crab (Paguristes frontalis) at Port Noarlunga is both common and comical. This one’s shell is fitting perfectly so not so many stumbles to laugh at but if you find a hermit crab that has taken up residence in some palatial new oversized shell it is hilarious watching the ensuing antics.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Hermit Crab’ 1/100 f/20 ISO320 100mm