Scarlet reef hermit crab

Care at a glance

The scarlet reef hermit crab has bright red legs with yellow eye stalks and is one of the most valued algae grazers among hermits. It tackles hair algae and film that many snails leave alone, and works its way into small corners while doing so.

It is calmer than most hermit crabs and usually leaves snails alone, certainly when enough empty shells are available. So provide a range of empty shells in various sizes and enough growth in the tank.

Best not combined with

• Picasso triggerfishRhinecanthus aculeatus
• Clown triggerfishBalistoides conspicillum
• Porcupine pufferDiodon holocanthus
• Dogface pufferArothron nigropunctatus
• Peacock mantis shrimpOdontodactylus scyllarus

Related species

• Blue leg hermit crabClibanarius tricolor
• Electric blue hermit crabCalcinus elegans
• Dwarf zebra hermit crabCalcinus laevimanus
• Purple reef lobsterEnoplometopus daumi
• Peacock mantis shrimpOdontodactylus scyllarus
• Tiger pistol shrimpAlpheus bellulus