Hermit Crab Shell Occupancy and Sediment Trials in Eastern Tasmania

A study from Dennes Point, southeastern Tasmania, examines the use of the introduced New Zealand screwshell by native hermit crabs across four depths. The dataset includes sediment core analysis from 10m and 20m depths and a sediment preference trial with the hermit crab Paguristes tuberculatus. It was contributed by the Australian Ocean Data Network and last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyze depth-related variance in shell occupancy rates across 10m, 20m, 30m, and 40m transects.
• Compare sediment size structure data from cores taken at 10m and 20m depths.
• Interpret results from the sediment preference trial using Paguristes tuberculatus to explain occupancy differences.
• Model the interaction between the introduced Maoricolpus roseus and native hermit crab populations.

Strengths

• Data collected across four distinct depth transects (10m, 20m, 30m, 40m).
• Includes both observational field data and controlled experimental trial results.

Limitations

• Sample size and row count are unknown.
• Geographic scope is limited to a single site at Dennes Point.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Sediment cores and field surveys across depth transects, plus a controlled sediment preference trial.

Time Range

null

Freshness

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Geography

Dennes Point, southeastern Tasmania, Australia.