While diving off the coast of Siladen Island in Indonesia, I filmed this White-Spotted Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos) moving across the reef as it foraged. This species is found across the Indo-Pacific and is associated with coral reef habitats, including rubble, sand, and reef flats.
Species Profile: White-Spotted Hermit Crab
- Scientific Name: Dardanus megistos
- Common Names: White-Spotted Hermit Crab, Whitespotted Hermit
- Identification: Bright reddish body with white spots ringed in darker color, covered in coarse hairs, carried in a borrowed shell.
- Habitat: Reef-associated; recorded from coral reef, reef flats, rubble, sand, seagrass, and lagoon habitats.
- Diet: Opportunistic omnivore.
- Maximum Reported Size: About 20 cm total length.
Behavior and Natural History
Like other hermit crabs, Dardanus megistos relies on an empty gastropod shell to protect its soft abdomen. It is a reef-associated species that forages along the bottom and is recorded from shallow coastal habitats down to about 50 meters.
The Location: Siladen Island, Indonesia
Siladen Island lies within Bunaken National Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The park is known for its rich marine biodiversity and protected reef environments.
Behind the Lens
This sequence was filmed with a Panasonic GH5 paired with the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro in a Nauticam underwater housing. This setup is well suited to small reef subjects and close-up underwater video.
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