The hermit crab is one of the most intriguing inhabitants of Mabul Island, a small island in the Celebes Sea, Malaysia. Unlike many other crabs, the hermit crab does not have a hard shell covering its entire body. Instead, it uses empty shells, often from sea snails, to protect its soft, vulnerable abdomen. This habit of "borrowing" a home from another creature makes the hermit crab a fascinating animal to observe. As it grows, the hermit crab must regularly change shells, a process that is captivating for divers exploring the underwater world of Mabul.
Mabul Island is renowned for "muck diving," a type of diving that focuses on finding small, often unusual marine creatures. The hermit crab is a perfect fit in this environment, alongside other interesting species such as seahorses, nudibranchs, and frogfish. Though small and unassuming, the hermit crab plays an important role in the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. Its ability to find a suitable shell and adapt to its surroundings makes it a resilient survivor in the fascinating underwater world of Mabul.
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