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Summary

    Calcinus latens is a species of hermit crab belonging to the family Diogenidae. It is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions such as off the coast of Australia and Fiji islands. Calcinus latens prefers to reside in coral reefs and rocky coastal habitats. Known for its small size and distinctive coloration, the species plays a role in reef ecosystems by scavenging for food. In some regions, it is recognized for its ecological significance due to its ability to clean algae and detritus from reef environments. 

Description (Anatomy and Morphology)

    Commonly known as the green or hidden hermit crab, the Calcinus latens has distinctive morphological traits. It belongs to the family Diogenidae and typically has dull green coloration on its body, fading to white towards the tips of the legs. Its walking legs are accented with hints of pink or purple-blue, giving it a unique appearance. The species has a small carapace, with adults reaching about 1/4 inch in width.
      Like other hermit crabs, Calcinus latens has a soft abdomen, which it protects by occupying discarded gastropod shells. The crab’s front pincers, or chelae, are asymmetrical, with one being slightly larger. This species uses its chelae not just for defense but also for manipulating objects and food. Its smaller chela is often used for feeding, while the larger one blocks the entrance to its shell when threatened.

Distribution and Habitat

   Calcinus latent, commonly known as the hidden hermit crab, is primarily found throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. Significant populations have been recorded in locations such as the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef and along the coasts of Australia from Shark Bay to New South Wales, including various reefs like Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs​. 
    Regarding habitat preferences, C. latens typically inhabits rocky and coral areas, often residing in intertidal zones and shallow subtidal environments. This species is commonly found under rocks or in crevices within reefs, where it prefers sheltered locations to avoid exposure. During low tide, C. latens remains hidden beneath rocks, making it less visible. Behavioral observations indicate that this hermit crab is abundant in the high and median intertidal zones, where it exhibits a strong preference for areas with dense epiphytic algae and rock surfaces​.

Human Use and Cultural Significance

   Calcinus latens, or the hidden hermit crab, holds both traditional and modern significance, particularly in regions where it is prevalent. In some Pacific cultures, hermit crabs, including C. latens, are utilized as a food source, especially during periods when other seafood is scarce. They are often gathered by coastal communities and consumed fresh or used in local dishes.
   In Hawaiian culture, C. latens may also be incorporated into cultural practices, such as ceremonies and traditional crafts. While specific traditions focusing solely on this species might not be extensively documented, hermit crabs in general often symbolize adaptability and resourcefulness, traits that are valued in Hawaiian traditions. Additionally, the shells of hermit crabs are sometimes collected for decorative purposes or used in jewelry​ Calcinus latens contributes to the local economy and cultural heritage in the regions it inhabits, reflecting the interconnectedness of ecology and human practices.

Citation Anker, Arthur, and Carl Tudge. "The Hidden Hermit Crab Calcinus latens (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) from the Tropical Western Pacific (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae)." The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, vol. 61, 2013, pp. 265-269. ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264479965.

Denny, Mark. "Locomotion: The Cost of Gastropod Crawling." Nature, vol. 284, no. 5752, 1980, pp. 303-305. Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/284303a0.

Smith, David G., and Robert A. McMillan. An Introduction to the Marine Biology of Hawai'i. University of Hawaii Press, 2012.

Paulay, Gustav. "Diversity and Distribution of Marine Crustaceans in the Hawaiian Islands." In Biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands, 1997, pp. 151-160. ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303396159.

Nader, K. R., and Helen Stoddart. "Abundance and Distribution of the Marine Hermit Crab Calcinus latens in Guam's Intertidal Zone." Pacific Science, vol. 54, no. 3, 2000, pp. 271-280. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/41417294.

Additional References "Hidden Hermit Crab - Calcinus latens." Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group, n.d., https://www.siu.edu.au/cms/pages/calcinus_latens.html. "Cultural Resources in the Marine Environment." Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, n.d., https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/cultural-resources/.