Pronunciation: [pˈaɡjʊɹˌɪd] (IPA) 
Pagurid is a term used to describe a family of hermit crabs. The word is spelled with four syllables: puh-gyuh-rid. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /pəˈɡjʊrɪd/. The spelling of the word is based on the Latin scientific name, Paguridae. The first syllable "pag" is pronounced like "pug" without the "u" sound, the second syllable "gyu" sounds like "gyou," and the last two syllables "rid" rhyme with "kid."
Pagurid refers to any of the numerous species of marine crabs that belong to the family Paguridae. These crabs are commonly known as hermit crabs due to their distinct behavior of finding empty shells of mollusks and utilizing them as protective homes. Pagurids are considered true hermit crabs as they employ these shells, which they frequently switch as they grow.
Pagurid crabs typically have a soft abdominal section, which they conceal within the borrowed shell, while their hard exoskeleton protects the front portion of their body. The abdomen is often curved, enabling the crab to tightly fit into the shell and secure it using modified appendages. These crabs have five pairs of legs, the first being the largest and adapted for walking and for grasping objects, while the other pairs are primarily used for locomotion.
These crustaceans are primarily aquatic and are widely distributed across various marine ecosystems, inhabiting shallow coastal waters and the oceanic depths. Pagurids are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes both plants and animals. They locate food by scavenging along the sea floor or by preying upon other small marine organisms.
Pagurids display a high level of adaptability, with some species even surviving in difficult environments such as hydrothermal vents or coral reefs. They play an essential role in marine ecosystems as both scavengers and predators, contributing to the overall balance and health of their habitats.
The etymology of the word "pagurid" traces back to the scientific classification of a family of marine crustaceans known as Paguridae. The term "pagurid" is derived from the genus name "Pagurus". The term was coined by French naturalist Pierre André Latreille in the early 19th century.
