Algae Eating Hermit Crabs

Description

Algae Eating Hermit Crabs – Calcinus sp.

This is a marine species of crab and must be kept only in a marine (saltwater) setting. They will not survive a freshwater (tropical or coldwater) or land setting.

Hermit crabs are a very popular choice of clean up crew for marine keepers. Clean up crew is a crucial part of reef keeping as these critters contribute a great deal to the maintenance of the aquarium, with many specialists that can be used to target a specific problem. Hermit crabs are best known for algae eating.

They are the ultimate scavenger, always on the move in search of algae and morsels of food. They are well known for their algae eating talents, especially red slime algae (cyanobacteria). Peaceful in temperament and completely reef safe, they can be kept in just about any setting, so long as the tank mates aren’t predators that will eat them, such as triggers and puffers.  Hermits can sometimes attack snails if kept in the same environment, but offering spare shells for the crabs to upgrade to when they’re ready and plenty of food will reduce this aggression significantly.

If algae is a little sparse, their diet can be supplemented with dried seaweed (Nori) and some meaty things like brine shrimp.

If you have any questions about keeping Algae Eating Hermit Crabs – Calcinus sp , please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and advise on best practice.

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