14 DAY TRIAL // The three hermit crabs featured in the picture above may not look like much to your average Joe and Jane, but the fact remains that, as far as wildlife researchers are concerned, these colorful creatures can and should be labeled as VIPs.
This is because these hermit crabs are the first of their kind to have ever been photographed and studied alive. Our Amazing Planet reports that, when the Pylopagurus discoidalis were first documented as a self-standing species, this was done with the help of dried specimens believed to be roughly 100 years old.
Despite the best of efforts, no live specimens were ever found. Until these guys were discovered in the Caribbean and brought to an aquarium.
Researchers explain that these hermit crabs typically live in shells left behind by other animals.
In order to keep safe, they use an appendage to seal the front of their shell and their tail to keep any intruders from entering through the end of the shell.