Faunistic study of hermit crabs (Decapoda: Paguroidea) from the Hormuz Island, Persian Gulf

Abstract

The hermit crabs in the intertidal zone of the Hormuz Island, Persian Gulf, were identified by seasonal sampling at six intertidal stations during 2010–2011. Nine species were identified, including one Coenobitidae (Coenobita scaevola) and eight Diogenidae (Clibanarius signatus, C. longitarsus, Diogenes avarus, D. planimanus, D. tirmiziae, D. karwarensis, Areopaguristes perspicax, Dardanus tinctor). All species in this study are new records for the Hormuz Island. Information on the habitats and geographical distribution of these crabs in the island is presented.