Species profile
Blueband Hermit Crab
Pagurus samuelis
Identify Blueband Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
Blueband Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis) is a crustacean present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 9,691 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, British Columbia, and Oregon the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Named for the vivid blue bands encircling each walking leg, making it one of the most colorful hermit crabs.
- Among the most common hermit crabs in Pacific coast tide pools from Alaska to Baja California.
- Shows a strong preference for black turban snail shells (Tegula funebralis).
- Actively forages for algae and detritus on exposed rock surfaces during low tide.
- Competes intensely for prime shells with other Pagurus species sharing the same intertidal pools.
Where Blueband Hermit Crab are seen
Background
Pagurus samuelis, the blueband hermit crab, is a species of hermit crab from the west coast of North America, and the most common hermit crab in California. It is a small species, with distinctive blue bands on its legs. It prefers to live in the shell of the black turban snail, and is a nocturnal scavenger of algae and carrion.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Blueband Hermit Crab article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other crabs/lobsters/shrimp on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Blueband Hermit Crab?
Blueband Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis) is a crustacean present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
What is the scientific name for Blueband Hermit Crab?
Blueband Hermit Crab is Pagurus samuelis.
Are there fishing rules for Blueband Hermit Crab?
Blueband Hermit Crab does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Blueband Hermit Crab?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Blueband Hermit Crab along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.