User:Isaiah808/Calcinus guamensis

AF: Nice job! All is there just could be more tight and concise:

• Add a reference to each sentence
• Eliminate the author or title etc. of the reference int he sentence (that is what the link to the reference is for!) -> I have crossed out some of those to help you, but check the full text as I did not do them all.
• Double check grammar and spelling
• You could add some Wikipedia links (click on a word that might have a Wikipedia page and click on the link function, then select the respective page (see example for family Diogenidae).
• Make sure you only include info about exactly your species, not hermit crabs. You can always link to a page on hermit crabs for general info.
• Habitat and Distribution: Swap the words in the heading. Start general (geographic distribution) before going more specific. If info from different sources say different things, try to word it so that it makes sense as a general information for that species and is not different statements that seem disconnected or saying different things. This can be a simple added "and" for the different habitats it can be found.

Calcinus guamensis is a species of hermit crab belonging to the family Diogenidae. First discovered by D.S. Wooster in 1982, this species is primarily found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including Guam and Hawaii. It is one of several species in the genus Calcinus, known for their uneven claws and reliance on gastropod shells for protection.

Taxonomy and Discovery

Calcinus guamensis was first collected and described by Daniel S. Wooster in 1982 during a study of the Mariana Islands. The species was named after Guam, where the original specimens were discovered. Wooster's research expanded the known diversity of the genus Calcinus in the Indo-Pacific region.

Description

Calcinus guamensis is a small hermit crab, with a maximum shell width of about 6 mm (1/4 inch). It is easily recognized by its coloration of a mustard brown or olive that fades into white, with its walking legs dipped in black. Its uneven claws, with the left being significantly larger, are bluish-green, differ from its reddish-brown body. The walking legs are banded with alternating light and dark colors, and its beak is triangular and relatively short. The crab's left claw is used to block the entrance of its shell when under threat,providing an effective defense against predators a behavior typical of many hermit crabs in the family Diogenidae.

Ecology and Behavior

Calcinus guamensis plays a vital role as a scavenger in reef ecosystems. It feeds on detritus (debris/trash), algae, and small invertebrates, helping to break down organic material and promoting nutrient cycling. Hermit Crabs play a key important role in reef ecosystems they are major contributors to the health and protection of coral reef by removing organic debris and preventing algae from overgrowing.

The species is nocturnal, becoming more active at night when it forages for food. It exhibits typical shell-swapping behavior, often competing with other hermit crabs for shells that are better suited to their size. Wooster described this as a very competitive challenge, where it creates aggressive behavior for individuals to obtain optimal shells.

Distribution and Habitat

This species inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky environments in the Indo-Pacific region. It has been observed in Guam, Hawaii, and other parts of the Pacific. It is commonly found in deeper water areas (3-20 meters) compared to other species of the Calcinus. The hermit crab is particularly largely located in tide pools and surge zones, which offer food and protection from predators.