Monomad: They’re Not Illegal Settlers

During an afternoon walk around the mouth of the Cunda River, I noticed two hermit crabs with strange shells. No matter how heavy the shells were, they seemed happy with what they had. One was strong enough to carry a huge load, dragging its shell around everywhere, and so was the other.

That’s not really what they had. A hermit crab can move to a new shell at any time. They simply need to seek an empty mollusk shell to inhabit. That doesn’t mean they’re illegal settlers.

A rough, strong shell would be safer, protecting it from predators. There’s no doubt that they’re brilliant creatures!