Dardanus gemmatus is a common species whose shell is usually adorned with the sea anemones Calliactis polypus. The stinging cells of the anemones apparently help protect the hermit from being preyed upon by octopus, and the crab's mobility helps prevent the anemones from being eaten by predatory starfish such as Culcita novaeguinea and Acanthaster planci. The crab below has taken over a broken cowry shell.
Created 8 February 2021