The hermit crabs in my salt-water aquarium are very tiny, but they're growing fast. And growth, for a hermit, means getting new clothes. I've provided them with a selection of empty shells, but just like growing kids, they have their own preferences.
I caught a couple of the hairy hermits involved in a discussion over a pretty white shell occupied by a green hermit. Brownie, in a boring mud snail shell, wanted to switch.
By the time I had the camera in hand, he had won, and Green was naked.
(Photos taken through algae-coated glass.)
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| "A perfect fit!" says Brownie. |
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| And, "What shall I do?" says Green. Note the black belly, normally hidden in the shell. |
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| "May I have your shell?" |
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| "No, you certainly may not!" (Pulls hood over head.) |
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| Brownie's discarded outfit. |
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| "Does this fit me? |
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| Taking its measure. Too big. |
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| "Life's not fair! I can't run around in public like this!" |
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| On with the search |
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| Brownie, up in the eelgrass, watches, chortling. |
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| "This one fits, but it isn't my style at all. It'll have to do. For now." |
Shopping time: 12 minutes. A long time for a tiny hermit to walk about in the nude.
Hermits at Nordstroms
ReplyDelete8-D
the idea of a crab chortling just tickles me pink
oh my Lord, that is SO CUTE! I want to mail that little guy his own tiny white castle. SO sweet. Poor little nudie. GREAT job w/narration. Hee. xo
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