Blue leg reef hermit crab

The Dwarf Caribbean Hermit Crab is a tiny yet highly effective member of your aquarium cleanup crew. With their small size, black shells, and active behavior, these hermits are ideal for controlling algae and detritus in both reef and fish-only setups. Found naturally in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, they are well-adapted to life in a variety of saltwater aquariums.

Key Features:

• Size: Typically less than 1 inch
• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivorous scavenger, feeding on algae, detritus, and uneaten food
• Reef-Safe: 100% reef-safe and perfect for small tanks or nano reefs

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size: Suitable for tanks as small as 5 gallons
• Water Parameters: Salinity (1.023-1.026), pH (8.1-8.4), temperatures (72-78°F)
• Compatibility: Works well in peaceful community tanks and alongside corals and other invertebrates

Why Choose the Dwarf Caribbean Hermit Crab?

• Algae Control: Excellent for keeping nuisance algae like green film and hair algae under control.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to care for, requiring minimal attention while actively contributing to tank cleanliness.
• Tiny Size, Big Impact: Perfect for small aquariums or tight spaces in larger setups, where they clean crevices that larger species can’t reach.

Additional Notes:

Provide plenty of empty shells of varying sizes so these hermits can grow and upgrade their homes without harassing tankmates. They are peaceful scavengers but may become competitive if resources are limited, so ensure they have sufficient food and shelter.