hermit crab
Nomadic shell dweller
A hermit crab is a small crustacean that protects its soft abdomen by occupying empty snail shells, moving to larger shells as it grows.
Hermit crabs are common in tide pools and popular as pets.
The name extends figuratively to reclusive people who rarely leave home: He's become a total hermit crab since the breakup.
Ten-appendaged arthropod or cephalopod
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- pincersGripping tool or claws
claws · gills · arthropod · invertebrate · carapace · abdomen · legs · scavenger
Taken for temporary use
- snail shellMollusk's protective spiral housing
- gastropodSingle-shelled soft creature
- spiralCurve winding around center
- relocationPermanent change of residence
vacancy · upgrade · outgrown · mobile home · protection · portable · carrying · switching
Gathering discarded or dead material
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
- climbingAscending by physical effort
- socializingEngaging with others recreationally
- fightingEngaging in physical conflict
nocturnal · hiding · foraging · exploring · congregating · molting · cannibalism · bathing
Wave-stranded water hollow
- shorelineLand-water boundary
- coral reefCalcium carbonate marine ecosystem
- rocky shoreCoastline of boulders
- sandFine rock particles
saltwater · coastal · tropical · mangrove · estuary · aquarium · terrarium · substrate
Tank for keeping fish
- terrariumGlass-walled growing enclosure
- tankLarge storage vessel
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
food dish · water dish · shells · temperature · misting · handling · lifespan · care
Existing alone, apart
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- secludedSet apart, private
- recluseOne choosing isolation
- shyReserved and retiring
timid · hiding · retreating · self-contained · private · sheltered · protective · cautious
decapod
Ten-appendaged arthropod or cephalopod
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
pincers · claws · gills · arthropod · invertebrate · carapace · abdomen · legs · scavenger · omnivore
borrowed
Taken for temporary use
- snail shellMollusk's protective spiral housing
- gastropodSingle-shelled soft creature
- spiralCurve winding around center
relocation · vacancy · upgrade · outgrown · mobile home · protection · portable · carrying · switching · fit
scavenging
Gathering discarded or dead material
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
- climbingAscending by physical effort
- socializingEngaging with others recreationally
fighting · nocturnal · hiding · foraging · exploring · congregating · molting · cannibalism · bathing · digging
tide pool
Wave-stranded water hollow
- shorelineLand-water boundary
- coral reefCalcium carbonate marine ecosystem
- rocky shoreCoastline of boulders
sand · saltwater · coastal · tropical · mangrove · estuary · aquarium · terrarium · substrate · humidity
aquarium
Tank for keeping fish
substrate · food dish · water dish · shells · temperature · misting · handling · lifespan · care · feeding
solitary
Existing alone, apart
shy · timid · hiding · retreating · self-contained · private · sheltered · protective · cautious · introverted