Piade

Overview

The Piade (Paguristes eremita) is a medium-sized hermit crab native to the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Like other hermit crabs, it relies on empty gastropod shells for protection, which it carries as a mobile home throughout its life.

Distribution & habitat

This species is endemic to the Mediterranean and is also found in the adjacent Atlantic, including waters off Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Madeira. It typically inhabits detritic, sandy, or muddy seafloors and is occasionally observed within Posidonia seagrass meadows. While it is often found at moderate depths, it can also be encountered in shallower coastal lagoons.

Appearance

Adults generally reach lengths of 5 to 8 cm, including their legs and claws. Their body coloration ranges from brown to orange-red, with long, yellowish-orange to reddish eye stalks and greyish-blue eyes. A key diagnostic feature is a distinct purplish-blue spot located at the base of the dactylus (the movable finger of the claw). The claws and legs have a granular texture covered in short hairs, and the left claw is slightly larger than the right.

Feeding

This crab is a scavenger that feeds primarily on detritus found on the seafloor.