Polka Dot Hermit Crab care guide

Polka Dot Hermit Crab (Calcinus tibicen) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.

Overview

Polka Dot Hermit Crab (Calcinus tibicen) is a marine hermit crab of the family Diogenidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Caribbean hermit with red body covered in distinct white spots. Excellent reef cleanup crew member.

Taxonomy

Family: Diogenidae
Genus: Calcinus
Scientific name: Calcinus tibicen
Common synonyms: Polka Dot Hermit, Caribbean Polkadot Hermit

Habitat

Hermit crabs of the family Diogenidae are anomuran crustaceans that protect their soft, asymmetric abdomen inside an empty gastropod shell, moving to larger shells as they grow. Reef species graze algae, biofilm and detritus across the rockwork and substrate. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Caribbean.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
Adult size: 2-3 cm
Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
KH: 8-12 °dKH
Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
Lifespan: 2-5 years

Diet

The species is an omnivore, grazing algae, biofilm and detritus across the rockwork and substrate; in aquaria its diet is supplemented with dried algae and sinking foods when natural growth is scarce.

Compatibility

The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include Reef fish, Other hermits. It should be kept away from Snails (provide spare shells).

Breeding

Breeding requires an extended planktonic larval stage in open water before the young settle, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely accomplished in home aquaria. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-collected.