10 Aquatic Hermit Crabs for Reef Tanks

Aquatic hermit crabs are fascinating creatures that add a unique touch to any reef tank. These small, crustacean creatures can be found in an array of bright colors, and some species even have intricate patterns on their shells. Keeping hermit crabs in your aquarium can add visual appeal and contribute to the overall health of your tank.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 aquatic hermit crabs to consider for your reef tank.

Name Description Temperature Range Max Size (in)
Electric Orange Hermit Crab Bright orange shell, great cleaner for algae, prefers well-lit tanks with sand bottom 72-78°F 1.5 inches
Electric Blue Hermit Crab Unique electric blue shell coloration, great cleaner, prefers moderate to high lighting conditions 72-78°F 2 inches
Elegant Hermit Crab Striking color pattern, great cleaner for flatworms, prefers moderate lighting and sand bottom 74-78°F 1.5 inches
Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab Bright blue shell with red stripes, great cleaner and scavenger, hardy creatures 72-78°F 1 inch
Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab Bright red shell with yellow legs, great cleaner and scavenger, prefers sandy substrate 72-78°F 1 inch
Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab Bright yellow shell with black legs, great cleaner and scavenger, prefers moderate lighting 72-78°F 1 inch
Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab Black and white striped shell, great cleaner for algae, prefers moderate lighting and hiding spots 72-78°F 1 inch
Halloween Hermit Crab Black and orange striped shell, great cleaner and hardy creature, prefers well-lit tanks 68-78°F 1 inch
Polka Dot Hermit Crab White shell with black spots or speckles, great cleaner for algae, prefers moderate lighting 72-78°F 2 inches
Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab Red-orange shell with blue legs, great cleaner and scavenger, prefers moderate lighting 72-78°F 1 inch

Electric Orange Hermit Crab

hermit crab

One of the most stunning species of hermit crabs to add to your reef tank is the electric orange hermit crab (Clibanarius sp.). As the name implies, these crabs have a bright orange shell that serves as a striking contrast against the greens and blues of your tank’s coral and plants.

Not only are they visually appealing, but they are also known for their cleaning abilities. Electric orange hermit crabs are particularly useful in keeping the tank free of algae and other harmful growths. They happily feed on it and keep the tank in pristine condition.

When it comes to tank requirements, these crabs prefer well-lit tanks with ample hiding spots, as they are nocturnal creatures. They also do best in tanks with a sand bottom, which they can burrow into to hide during the day.

While they are peaceful creatures, they can be territorial and aggressive towards other hermit crabs. Therefore, it is important to keep them in a spacious tank with plenty of room to establish their own private space.

With their bright colors and convenient cleaning habits, the electric orange hermit crab is a wonderful addition to any reef tank.

Electric Blue Hermit Crab

If you’re looking for a visually stunning hermit crab that’s also a great cleaner, the electric blue hermit crab (Calcinus elegans) is an excellent choice for your reef tank. These hermit crabs are known for their unique electric blue shell coloration, which stands out in any aquarium.

Just like other hermit crab species, the electric blue hermit crab is also adept at cleaning up debris and algae in your tank, keeping it in tip-top condition. They are hard-working creatures that will tirelessly clean up your tank to keep it looking its best.

Electric blue hermit crabs prefer moderate to high lighting conditions and a stable temperature of around 72-78°F. They are not picky eaters and will happily feed on algae, detritus, and other types of organic matter.

While they are generally peaceful creatures, electric blue hermit crabs can be territorial towards other hermit crabs. So, it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots and enough space to establish their own territory.

With their striking blue coloration and effective cleaning abilities, the electric blue hermit crab is an excellent addition to any reef tank.

Elegant Hermit Crab

The elegant hermit crab (Aniculus elegans) is another species of hermit crab that is highly sought after by many aquarium enthusiasts. These crabs have a striking color pattern on their shells that consists of light beige and dark brown stripes, giving them a sophisticated and fashionable look.

Apart from their visual appeal, elegant hermit crabs are also great cleaners, specifically when it comes to consuming flatworms. These pests can be a nuisance in a reef tank, so having these crabs around can be very helpful in keeping them under control.

Elegant hermit crabs do best in tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding spots, as they are nocturnal creatures that like to hide away during the day. They prefer moderate lighting conditions and a temperature of around 74-78°F.

One important thing to note is that elegant hermit crabs tend to be less territorial towards other hermit crabs than some other species. So, you can usually add them to a tank with other hermit crab species without any issues as long as there is adequate space and hiding spots.

With their sophisticated appearance and beneficial cleaning habits, the elegant hermit crab is a highly recommended species for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and practicality in their reef tank.

Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab

The dwarf blue leg hermit crab (Clibanarius tricolor) is a small but charming species of hermit crab that is native to the Caribbean. These crabs have a bright blue shell with red stripes and a yellow body, making them stand out in any aquarium.

Dwarf blue leg hermit crabs are great for keeping the tank clean as they love to scavenge for leftover food and algae. They are also effective at cleaning up debris and detritus, which can accumulate in a reef tank over time.

They are hardy creatures that can adapt to a wide range of aquarium conditions. Dwarf blue leg hermit crabs can thrive in tanks with different lighting conditions and temperatures, and they are not particularly picky when it comes to their diet.

These crabs prefer to live in groups, so it’s recommended to keep several of them together in a tank. They are peaceful creatures and generally get along well with other hermit crab species as long as there is enough space for all of them.

If you’re looking for a visually appealing and practical addition to your reef tank, the dwarf blue leg hermit crab is an excellent choice. Their small size, easy-care requirements, and cleaning abilities make them a perfect fit for any aquarium.

Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab

Another great option for a reef tank is the dwarf red tip hermit crab (Clibanarius sp.). These hermit crabs are striking in appearance, with a bright red shell and yellow legs. They have a unique look that will surely add a pop of color to your tank.

In addition to being visually appealing, dwarf red tip hermit crabs are also very practical. They are expert scavengers and will happily feed on leftover food, algae, and other debris in the tank. This makes them great cleaners, ensuring that your reef stays in top condition.

Dwarf red tip hermit crabs prefer moderate to high lighting and a temperature range of 72-78°F. They enjoy having a sandy substrate to burrow in and plenty of hiding spots.

While they are generally peaceful creatures, they can be territorial towards other hermit crabs. Therefore, it’s best to keep them in a tank with plenty of space for each crab to establish their own private area.

Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab

Clibanarius virescens

If you’re searching for a unique hermit crab species for your reef tank, the dwarf yellow tip hermit crab (Clibanarius virescens) is a great option. These crabs have a bright yellow shell and black legs, providing a striking contrast against the green and blue colors of your tank’s coral.

Dwarf yellow tip hermit crabs are also practical additions to your aquarium. They are adept at cleaning up leftover food and algae in the tank, helping to maintain the overall health of your reef.

These crabs prefer moderate lighting conditions and a temperature range of 72-78°F. Having a sandy substrate for burrowing and hiding spots is also essential for their well-being.

Dwarf yellow tip hermit crabs are generally peaceful towards other hermit crabs, but they may become territorial if there is not enough space for each crab to establish their own private area. It is crucial to make sure there is adequate space in the tank for all of the hermit crabs you intend to keep.

Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab

スベスベサンゴヤドカリ Calcinus laevimanus

The dwarf zebra hermit crab (Calcinus laevimanus) is a striking species of hermit crab that is highly sought after in the aquarium trade. These crabs have black and white striped shells, resembling the pattern of a zebra, making them a visually appealing addition to any reef tank.

Aside from their unique appearance, dwarf zebra hermit crabs are also great cleaners. They feed on algae and other debris, ensuring that your tank remains healthy and free of harmful growths.

Dwarf zebra hermit crabs enjoy moderate lighting and a temperature range of 72-78°F. They prefer to live in tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding spots to explore and rest in.

While they are generally peaceful creatures, dwarf zebra hermit crabs can become aggressive towards other hermit crabs, especially if their space is invaded. Therefore, it’s essential to provide enough space and hiding spots for all of the crabs in your tank.

Halloween Hermit Crab

The Halloween hermit crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus) is a fascinating species of hermit crab that is named after its unique appearance. These crabs have a black and orange striped shell, resembling the iconic colors of Halloween.

Halloween hermit crabs are known to be excellent cleaners, feeding on algae and detritus that can accumulate in a reef tank. They also enjoy consuming leftover food in the tank, ensuring that your tank stays in top condition.

These crabs prefer a well-lit tank with a temperature range of 68-78°F. They are hardy creatures that can adapt to different water conditions, making them a great choice for beginner aquarium enthusiasts.

Halloween hermit crabs are generally peaceful creatures, but they can become territorial towards other hermit crabs, especially if they don’t have enough space to establish their own private area in the tank.

Polka Dot Hermit Crab

Polkadotted hermit (Phimochirus operculatus)

The polka dot hermit crab (Phimochirus operculatus) is a small crustacean with a distinctive appearance. Its claws are covered in small, white polka dots that stand out against a brown or black background. The polka dot hermit crab is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and interesting behavior.

Polka dot hermit crabs are expert cleaners, feeding on algae and detritus in the tank. They help to keep the reef healthy by consuming harmful growths that can cause problems for other organisms in the aquarium.

Polka dot hermit crabs prefer moderate lighting conditions and a temperature range of 72-78°F. They also require a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots to keep them happy and healthy.

While polka dot hermit crabs are generally peaceful, they can become territorial towards other hermit crabs. So, it’s essential to make sure there is enough space for each crab to establish their own private area in the tank.

Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab

The scarlet reef hermit crab (Paguristes cadenati) is a beautiful and charismatic species of hermit crab that can make an excellent addition to your reef tank. These crabs are brightly colored, with red-orange shells and blue legs, making them a standout in any aquarium.

In addition to being visually appealing, the scarlet reef hermit crab is highly practical. They are avid scavengers, feeding on detritus, algae, and other unwanted growths in the tank, keeping your reef healthy and vibrant.

Scarlet reef hermit crabs prefer moderate lighting conditions and a temperature range of around 72-78°F. They like to burrow in sandy substrate and require plenty of hiding spots to keep them happy and stress-free.

While they are generally peaceful creatures, scarlet reef hermit crabs can become territorial towards other hermit crabs, especially if they are cramped for space. As such, it is recommended to provide enough room and hiding spots for each crab in your tank.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an eye-catching and practical addition to your reef tank, consider adding one of the 10 aquatic hermit crab species we have explored in this article. These small but amazing creatures can add a unique touch to your aquarium and keep it healthy by consuming algae and other debris.

From the electric blue hermit crab to the scarlet reef hermit crab, each species has its own unique appearance and set of preferred living conditions. By choosing the right species for your tank, you can find a balance of aesthetics and practicality that will make your reef stand out.

Remember to provide enough space and hiding spots for each hermit crab in your tank, and maintain optimal lighting and temperature conditions to keep your creatures healthy and happy. With careful attention to their care, these fascinating hermit crabs can thrive in your aquarium for years to come.

avatar Noah
I’m Noah, chief editor at VIVO Pets and the proud owner of a playful, energetic husky (Max). I’ve been a volunteer at Rex Animal Rescue for over 2 years. I love learning and writing about different animals that can be kept as pets. read more...

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