Scientific name: Dardanus megistos

Classification: Phylum: Arthropoda. Class: Crustacea. Order: Decapoda. Family: Diogenidae

Origin: Native

Status: Uncommon

Distribution: All the main islands; seldom above depths of 150 feet

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Hermit crabs (Hawaiian common name is unauna) are crustaceans that live in snail shells. Their heads and legs are hard but their bodies are soft. When disturbed the entire animal can withdraw into the shell. This white-spotted hermit crab is the largest hermit crab in Hawaiian waters and can reach body lengths of up to 12 inches long. The left claw is larger than the right. They are often found living in a triton trumpet shell.