Scarlet reef hermit crab
Paguristes cadenati · Diogenidae
Also known as Red-legged hermit
Beginner
Small algae-grazing hermit that stays out of trouble if you supply spare shells.
In short: A scarlet reef hermit crab needs at least 20 L (5 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 20 L (5 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 4 cm (1.6 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.024–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- May kill snails for their shells if shells are scarce.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 20 L (5 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 20 L (5 US gal)
- Aggression
- Minimal.
- Feeding
- Grazes; supplement with nori.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 20 L (5 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 2–4 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — film and hair algae, detritus, leftovers.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Caribbean
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Rocky rubble
- Natural conditions
- Stable salinity; keep a supply of empty shells.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- SnailsClownfishGobies
- Avoid
- Large predatory fishTanks with no spare shells
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Not practical to sex.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Moult failureCopper poisoning
Will it fit your tank?
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