SOLITARY ISLANDS
UNDERWATER
RESEARCH GROUP, INC.

Dardanus crassimanus
(H. Milne Edwards, 1836)

Common Name: Mauve-eyed Hermit Crab

Distribution: Common throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In Australia recorded from northern Western Australia and from north Queensland south to around Sydney in New South Wales. 

Ecological Notes: Frequents areas of reef flats, rocky reef and sea grass beds. Depth to at least 30 m.

Additional Notes: Recognisable by the mauve eye stalks with thin white distal band, pale purple banded leg joints and overall red colouration. A large, active species, grows to 150 mm.

References: Davie, Peter. Wild Guide to Moreton Bay and Adjacent Coasts. Second Edition. Published by Queensland Museum. Vol 2, p.222.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=Dardanus+crassimanus. Accessed 13/11/2018.