Calcinus elegans relies heavily on its keen sense of smell for detecting danger in the surrounding environment. This hermit crab is constantly wary of not only the smell of its predators, but the smell of gastropod shells being broken. As it relies on its gastropod shell for protection, Calcinus elegans knows that such a smell indicates that a predator is nearby and on the hunt. Usually, Calcinus elegans will attempt to find shelter or a place to hide from its predators. In the event that it is unable to locate shelter, Calcinus elegans will withdraw into its shell for defense, only emerging when it feels safe or the scents of danger have passed on. Studies have shown that the amount of time that Calcinus elegans spends withdrawn into its shell is partially determined by what species of gastropod the shell belonged to.
