Difference Between Red King Crab And Hermit Crab
When it comes to crabs, we all know that they come in all shapes and sizes, but there are two specific types of crabs that are often compared, the Red King Crab, and the Hermit Crab. These crustaceans may share the same name, but they have many differences. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Red King Crab and Hermit Crab, from habitat to appearance, and other interesting facts.
Red King Crab
The Red King Crab is a very large crab species, and it can be found in the Bering Sea and around the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. These crabs can grow up to 10 inches in size, with a bright red-orange color that makes them stand out. They have spines on their shell, and their legs are long and spindly, which makes it easy for them to move quickly on the ocean floor. Red King Crabs have a rich, sweet flavor that makes them a delicacy in many parts of the world.
Appearance
The Red King Crab has a round body and is covered with a hard exoskeleton. They have eight legs, which are long and spiny, and two large claws that are used to catch prey and defend themselves. Male Red King Crabs are larger than females, and they have a distinctive reddish-orange color that makes them easy to identify.
Habitat
Red King Crabs are found in the cold waters of the Bering Sea and the Northern Pacific Ocean, around the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. They prefer to live in deep waters, but they can also be found in shallow waters. These crabs are bottom-dwellers and are commonly found on the ocean floor in search of food.
Diet
Red King Crabs are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and animals. They mainly feed on clams, mussels, and other small crustaceans. They also eat detritus and algae that are found on the ocean floor.
Hermit Crab
The Hermit Crab is a much smaller crab species that can be found in almost all oceans around the world. They are very adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, including saltwater, freshwater, and even on land. Hermit Crabs are known for their unique habit of using empty snail shells to protect their soft abdomen. They will keep on changing their shell as they grow in size.
Appearance
The Hermit Crab has a soft, vulnerable abdomen that it protects by carrying a hard, protective shell on its back. They have eight legs, just like the Red King Crabs, but they are much smaller and thinner. Unlike the Red King Crab, Hermit Crabs do not have any spines on their legs or shell. They can be found in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow.
Habitat
Hermit Crabs can be found in a variety of environments, including saltwater, freshwater, and even on land. They are mostly found in the shallow waters of the intertidal zone, which is the area between the high and low tide mark. Hermit Crabs prefer to live in areas with plenty of rocks and vegetation, as it provides them with shelter and food.
Diet
Hermit Crabs are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and animals. They mainly feed on algae, detritus, and other small invertebrates.
Key Differences Between Red King Crab and Hermit Crab
Now that we have discussed the appearance, habitat, and diet of both Red King Crab and Hermit Crab, let's summarize the key differences between these two crab species:
- Size: Red King Crabs are much larger than Hermit Crabs, which can be only a few inches in size.
- Shell: Red King Crabs have a hard exoskeleton, while Hermit Crabs use empty snail shells to protect their abdomen.
- Legs: Red King Crabs have long, spindly legs with spines, while Hermit Crabs have thin legs.
- Habitat: Red King Crabs are found in cold waters, while Hermit Crabs can be found in almost all oceans around the world, including freshwater and land.
- Diet: Both Red King Crabs and Hermit Crabs are omnivorous, but their diets differ slightly.
Conclusion
In summary, Red King Crab and Hermit Crab may share the same name, but they are very different in appearance, habitat, and diet. Red King Crab is a large, spiny crab that lives in cold waters, while Hermit Crab is a small, adaptable crab that can live in a variety of environments. While both crabs are omnivorous, their diets differ slightly. Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a good understanding of the differences between Red King Crab and Hermit Crab.