Aniculus hopperae

Aniculus hopperae, also known as reticulated Hawaiian hermit, is a species of hermit crab in the family Diogenidae from the Pacific Ocean.^[2][3] The specific name hopperae honors Carol N. Hopper from Waikīkī Aquarium.^[1]

Aniculus hopperae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Malacostraca
Order:	Decapoda
Suborder:	Pleocyemata
Infraorder:	Anomura
Family:	Diogenidae
Genus:	Aniculus
Species:	A. hopperae
Binomial name
Aniculus hopperae McLaughlin & Hoover, 1996[1]

Description

This species stands out from its congeners in appearance. Aniculus hopperae features a bright red base coloration with black "bracelets" on the scissor arms, unlike the similar Aniculus simbogae, which lacks this pattern. Typically medium-sized, the holotype specimen from Oahu, Hawaii, measures 6.3 mm (0.25 in) in shield length and was collected at a depth of 8 m (26 ft). The hermit crab's arms are red with black spots, its eyestalks have a bright orange hue, and it displays a web-like white pattern. These distinct markings help in identifying the species.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

Aniculus hopperae is known from a number of localities in the Pacific: Hawaii (type locality: Oahu^[1]), Line Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Clipperton Island.^[4] Aniculus hopperae predominantly inhabits rocky coastlines, where it seeks shelter under small outcroppings and within caves.^[1] In Hawaii, it thrives at depths of up to 23 m (75 ft).^[1]