Video: Hermit Crabs Distributing Eggs

[Stealthy Ninja]

For the last few days a large hermit crab has been carrying around (not harming) a much smaller one.The smaller didn't seem concerned and I thought I'd let nature take its course (I was a bit concerned the big one was attacking the little one). Then last night I noticed the smaller (female probably) coming out of her shell with something that looked like, well, a bunch of white eggs. They were working together to distribute them into the current. The male even gave the female a good shake ( assume to help her distribute the eggs).

Here's a video I got with my mobile phone:
[video=youtube;PwOQi7T4FTY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwOQi7T4FTY&[/video]

 

[NanaReefer]

Ok that was a first for me, totally awesome!! Thank you for sharing [emoji7]

 

[Mike Johnson]

Love videos - keep them coming.

 

[Oxylebius]

Love videos - keep them coming.

Agree!

 

[Stealthy Ninja]

If I see anything interesting again I'll video it.

The male has since let the female go... so if a hermit carries another around for days, don't pull them apart (unless perhaps it's obvious one is getting hurt). Most likely they're just mating.

 

[hummer41269]

Wow! What a gentleman that crab is taking care of his lady friend like that.

 

[SantaMonicaHelp]

Awww, how cute is that?? A true Gentleman! ;-)

 

[olgalit]

so cute hehe. box crabs do this - that is the male caries female with him around but I never knew that hermits do the same.