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Cancridae / Paguridae (family level)
Beneficial marine cleanup crew. Hermit crabs offer entertainment through shell-trading behavior; crabs display nocturnal activity. Beginner to intermediate species useful for ecosystem balance in mixed displays.
Crabs and hermit crabs kept in marine aquariums are invertebrates valued as part of the clean-up crew, tidying the substrate and live rock. Hermit crabs process leftover food and algae and offer the added interest of swapping shells as they grow, so providing several empty shells is recommended. Many crabs become active at night and are omnivores that eat detritus and algae, though some species may bother small fish or corals, so temperament should be checked before adding them to a reef tank. They are relatively hardy and suitable for beginner-to-intermediate keepers, but are sensitive to copper-based medications and require stable water quality.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Temperate to tropical coastal and reef waters worldwide
Temperature
24〜27℃
Omnivorous: leftovers, algae and sinking prepared foods
They work as a clean-up crew for the substrate and live rock. Hermit crabs move into larger shells as they grow, so keep several empty shells in the tank.
Omnivores that clean up leftovers and algae. Scraps alone are not enough, so supplement with a small amount of sinking food.
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Some crab species will go after small fish or corals. For a reef tank, check the species' habits before choosing.
Sensitive to copper-based medications, so keep them out of tanks being treated. Fairly hardy, but proper water quality is still required.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
Crab / Hermit Crab feeds on: Omnivorous: leftovers, algae and sinking prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Crab / Hermit Crab varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026