What are hermit crab gonopores?

Hermit crab gonopores are the openings through which sperm or eggs are released during reproduction. In male hermit crabs, the gonopores are located at the base of the fifth pair of walking legs, while in females they are located at the base of the third pair of walking legs. The gonopores are usually covered by a flap of skin, which is lifted up when the crab releases its sperm or eggs.

During reproduction, the male hermit crab will transfer his sperm to the female through his gonopores. The female will then store the sperm in her seminal receptacle until she is ready to lay her eggs. When she is ready, the female will release her eggs through her gonopores and they will be fertilized by the sperm that is stored in her seminal receptacle. The eggs will then develop into larvae, which will eventually hatch and grow into adult hermit crabs.