The Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) is a reef safe hermit crab
which eats algae and left over food. The Blue Leg hermit Crab has become popular in the home aquarium earning its keep by consuming unwanted algae.
They are an omnivorous bottom feeder which has been photographed eating red slime algae aka blue green algae aka cyanobacteria. Many aquarists have observed the Blue Leg Hermit Crab eating other various types of unwated algae like hair algae and detritus which feed the growth of nuisance algae of all types.
The Saltwater Blue Leg Hermit Crab also answers to the names blue-legged hermit crab, tricolor hermit crab, blueleg reef hermit crab, equal handed hermit crab and blueleg hermit crab.
It is a nice addition to the aquarium as this crab stands out with it's bright blue legs. In addition the Blue Leg hermit Crab has lines of orange and black hence the scientific name Clibanarius tricolor.
The Blue Leg hermit Crab is a native to the Caribbean and lives primarily in the tidal zones of rocky areas. These cabs live together by the thousands clinging to rocks as the tides move. In low tide they scavenge around to find food. Food to these crabs consists of anything edible ranging from detritus to algae and left over yummies.
Belong to the Class Crustacea and Order Decapoda these hermits along with Porcelain Crabs belong to the Section Anomura, which consists of long antennae and four pairs of legs, for a total of 6 walking legs and 2 working legs which usually develop claws to be used in gathering food, for protection, and to move objects. The head of the Crab is connected to the thorax and covered by a shell called carapace. They have a smaller abdomen and tail compared to Shrimp and they keep this tucked beneath the carapace.
In order for Crabs to grow they need to shed their exoskeleton, a process called "molting", which allows them to remove their restricting shell and begin a new one. Often times in the home aquarium Crabs will leave this translucent shell in full view so it can serve as a distraction while the Crab finds a hiding place and allows its new shell to harden. Hermit Crabs use abandoned shells as their home. These Crabs usually have extended abdomens that they wrap around the inside of the spiraling shell leaving only their head and claws exposed. When approached these Crabs can recoil into the shell for protection. When a Hermit Crab grows it will often seek out a new larger shell.
| COMMON NAME: |
|
Blue Leg Hermit Crab |
| |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME: |
|
Clibanarius tricolor |
| SIZE AVAILABLE: |
|
~.5-.75 inch |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE: |
|
1 crab per gallon |
| FOOD/DIET: |
|
Omnivore |
| CARE LEVEL: |
|
Moderately easy |
| REEF SAFE: |
|
Yes |
| AVAILABILITY: |
|
Most always available - 99% |
- Breakdown on crabs as follows:75% (water volume) Blue Legs, 20% Red Legs, 5% Emerald Crabs
- Example- 100 gallon tank: 75 Blue Legs, 20 Red Legs, 5-6 Emerald Crabs
- Reef Safe Hermit crab which eats algae and left over food.
- Must be provided with additional shells to move into or live snails may be attacked for their shells.
- Please note: These are aquatic saltwater hermit crabs. They must be kept in an aquarium filled with salt water. They are not pet land hermit crabs.
- A nice addition to the aquarium, this crab stands out with it's bright blue legs.
- Is an omnivorious bottom feeder and is reef safe.
