Blue-Leg Hermit Crab care guide
Blue-Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Blue-Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) is a marine hermit crab of the family Diogenidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Most popular reef hermit, with bright blue legs banded with white. Tireless detritivore. Always provide extra empty shells to prevent shell wars.
Taxonomy
- Family: Diogenidae
- Genus: Clibanarius
- Scientific name: Clibanarius tricolor
- Common synonyms: Blue Leg Hermit, Equal-Hand 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: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 1-2 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: 1-3 years
Diet
The species is a detritivore, 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.