PHOTOS: LITTLE HERMIT CRABS

PETSOLUTIONS.COM ON LITTLE BLUE LEGGED HERMIT CRABS:

Blue Leg Reef Hermit Crab

Scientific Name	Clibanarius tricolor
Diet	Omnivore; Micro Algae, Scavenger
Alt Common Name	Dwarf Blue and Equal Handed Hermit Crab
Family	Diogenidae
Origin	Caribbean
Aquarist Level	Novice
Reef Safe	Yes
Coloration	Blue and Red
Disposition	Peaceful †
Hardiness	Very
Mature Size	1 inch
Reproduction Method	Unknown
Sexual Dimorphism	Not visible
Venomous	No

Recommended Supplements

Notes:  This species must molt in order to grow.  Generally at night, it will leave its shell home, lay on its back, and exit its exoskeleton.  A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours.  The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed.  Proper iodine levels assist with successful molting.

† This species has been reported to become aggressive when underfed.  If natural micro algae levels are low, supplement the crab's diet with dried seaweed.