American Smooth Flounder
Pagurus alatus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–700 m
- For divers: safe
Despite the flounder name on its label, this is a hermit crab that shelters its soft hindquarters inside an empty snail shell. It lives on the middle continental slope, often below 400 metres, feeding on drifting phytoplankton scraps that settle to the bottom.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Malacostraca › Decapoda › Paguridae › Pagurus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 107230.
FAQ
- How deep does the American Smooth Flounder live?
- The American Smooth Flounder (Pagurus alatus) is typically found at 0–700 m.
- Is the American Smooth Flounder dangerous to divers?
- The American Smooth Flounder is harmless to divers.