Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) Care Guide

A tiny, industrious hermit crab with bright blue legs that is one of the most popular cleanup crew members in reef tanks. Constantly grazes on algae, detritus, and cyanobacteria.

Overview

Clibanarius tricolor is a species in the family Diogenidae. A tiny, industrious hermit crab with bright blue legs that is one of the most popular cleanup crew members in reef tanks. Constantly grazes on algae, detritus, and cyanobacteria. Keep extra empty shells available as they grow and need to upgrade their homes.

Taxonomy

Family: Diogenidae
Genus: Clibanarius
Scientific name: Clibanarius tricolor
Other names: Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit
Origin: Caribbean, Western Atlantic

Habitat

Clibanarius tricolor, the blue-leg hermit crab, lives on shallow reefs and rubble of the Caribbean and western Atlantic. A small algae grazer and detritivore occupying empty snail shells; generally reef-safe but needs spare shells to prevent fighting.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 20 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 1-2.5 cm
Lifespan: 1-3 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: continuous grazer. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Any Reef-Safe Fish, Snails, Other Hermit Crabs
Avoid with: Triggerfish, Large Wrasses

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.