Florent's Guide To The

Hawaiian Reefs

Hawaiian Elegant Hermit Crab
Calcinus c.f. elegans
Hawaiian Elegant Hermit Crab
Category: Left-Handed Hermits
Scientific Name: Calcinus c.f. elegans
Size: 1 to 2 in. (2 to 5 cm)  
Depth: 3-60 ft. (1-18 m)
Distribution: Hawaii (Endemic)
Physically identical to the Elegant Hermit Crab (Calcinus elegans) found
in the Indo-Pacific, which has turquoise blue instead of orange bands on the legs.
Arthropoda (Phylum) Arthropods
└Crustacea (Subphylum) Crustaceans
 └Multicrustacea (Superclass) Typical Crustaceans
  └Malacostraca (Class) Malacostracans
   └Eumalacostraca (Subclass) Decapods, Isopods, and Allies
    └Eucarida (Superorder)
     └Decapoda (Order) Decapods
      └Pleocyemata (Suborder)
       └Anomura (Infraorder)
        └Paguroidea (Superfamily) Hermit Crabs
         └Diogenidae (Family) Left-Handed Hermits
          └Calcinus (Genus)
           └C. c.f. elegans (Species)

All Photographs
© 2026 Florent Charpin