Image of zoanthids

Description:

Description: These hermit crabs are of the Parapaguridae with anemones on the shells. Given the depth, the hermits in these photos are almost certainly of the genus Parapagurus. The differences between species are often quite subtle, so it is impossible to say for certain which species are shown. There are 4 species of Parapagurus reported from this area. They are likely either P. bouvieri or P. andreui, or perhaps even both species. Both associate with Epizoanthus spp., but they can occasionally be found in shells where the coelenterate is not as well developed and only partially covers the housing. P. pilosimanus is found only in the Atlantic (both sides), and so far have not seen any from the Indian Ocean.
Item Type: Image
Title: Hermit crab and anemone
Copyright: SERPENT
Species: Parapagurus sp., Epizoanthus sp.
Behaviour: The anemone, Epizoanthus sp. is on the shell of the hermit crab Parapagurus sp.
Site: Indian -- Indian Ocean -- East Africa -- Zafarani
Depth (m): 2601
Countries: East Africa -- Tanzania
Habitat: Benthic
Rig: Ocean Rig Poseidon
Project Partners: Statoil, Oceaneering
ROV: Millenium 93 and 73
Deposited By: Dr Andrew Gates
Deposited On: 25 April 2012