Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab
Don’t let the small size of the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab fool you. As a voracious scavenger, this omnivore can get into the smallest crevices and openings within live rock to consume nuisance algae including hair algae and cyanobacteria. While doing so, Clibanarius tricolor also helps aerate sand substrate, thereby encouraging growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.
Also known simply as the Blue Leg Hermit Crab, this member of the Diogenidae family is a colorful and reef-safe addition. Named after its bright and colorful red-banded blue legs, the Blue Leg Crab has claws of equal size and makes its home in abandoned snail shells. Take note that when the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab is looking for a new home or if food supplies are insufficient, it may become active in searching for a new shell or food source.
| Species | Clibanarius tricolor |
|---|---|
| Family | Diogenidae |
| Habitat | Reef aquariums with live rock and sand substrate |
| Feeding | Omnivore; scavenges algae and detritus |
| Shell Use | Uses abandoned snail shells for shelter |
FAQ
What kind of algae does the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab consume?
The Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab consumes nuisance algae such as hair algae and cyanobacteria.
Does this hermit crab affect the bacterial balance in the tank?
Yes, by aerating the sand substrate, it encourages the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.
What should I provide for its shelter?
Provide abandoned snail shells for the hermit crab to use as shelter.
Pippa Rees –
The Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab has been a great addition to my reef tank. It actively cleans algae from the rock and sand, and it’s very active without causing any disturbances. I noticed the sand is more aerated and the beneficial bacteria seem more active now.
Matt Morrison –
It’s small but very effective at cleaning up hair algae. I placed it in a corner with live rock and it found a snail shell quickly. It doesn’t seem to harm any of the corals or other inhabitants.
Evan Walsh –
After introducing this crab, my tank has become noticeably cleaner. The blue legs stand out well in the tank, and it’s a peaceful, active member of the community.