Blue-eyed hermit crab (Calcinus laevimanus)

Also called left-handed hermit crab.

Nippers dark brown with white fingers, that of the left side greatly enlarged to block the shell opening when the crab withdraws. Eyes blue, eyestalks and first antennae banded brilliant blue and orange. Legs pale brown ending with white bands.

Between 10 and 30 mm.

A beautiful species common in tide pools on the Natal coast. Prefers low-spired shells, especially those of Turbo and Nerita.

Two Oceans: A Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa (2007).