IDI023: Cloaked hermit crab

This is a hermit crab, Pagurus prideaux. Unlike other species of hermit crab found in the UK, this one uses the cloak anemone (Adamsia carciniopados) for protection instead of a shell. Hermit crabs don't have a hard shell covering their soft abdomen, which is why they need to use shells or anemones to protect it.