black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Diogenes pugilator (Roux, 1828)
Synonyms: Diogenes varions Makarov, 1938.
Common names: Engl: hermit crab; Russ: Rak otshel'nik diogen; Ukr: Rak-diogen
samitnik.
Taxonomic description. One of two species of Paguridae in the Black Sea. First left
leg, with claw, much bigger than right leg. Dactylus moves in a vertical plane. The
Body colour yellow. Anterior edge of carapace with acute triangular lateral
projections. Internal sides of dactyli with unequal teeth. Length up to 30 mm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Black Sea coastal waters and southern Sea of Azov, Mediterranean
Sea, East Atlantic coast from the North Sea to the coasts of Angola.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inhabits shallow-water, sandy-
bottom shelf areas. Critical habitats are the hypoxic shelf zones. The main limiting
factors are oxygen deficiency and a decline of the populations of the gastropod Tritia
reticulata.
Order DECAPODA.
Family PAGURIDAE.
Biology. A psammophilic hermit crab, inhabiting shallow biotopes including low
salinity areas. Prefers sandy and shelly grounds, usually at depths of 1-10 m , but
sometimes found up to 40-42 m. It is easily recognized by its habit of carrying a shell
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