Source: Wikimedia Commons
Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab
BeginnerPaguristes cadenati
A small Caribbean hermit crab with scarlet legs and yellow eyestalks that grazes hair algae and cyanobacteria as clean-up crew in an established reef tank. Among the most peaceful hermits, it is easy to keep as long as empty shells are provided.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
22〜26℃
Size
Up to about 3.8cm body length
Diet
Algae, detritus, dried seaweed (omnivore)
About
The scarlet reef hermit crab (Paguristes cadenati) is a small diogenid hermit crab of the western Atlantic from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico and southern Florida. Its scarlet legs contrast sharply with yellow eyestalks and face. An omnivore, it eats detritus and algae, and is especially fond of nuisance growth such as hair algae, slime algae and cyanobacteria, which makes it a valued reef clean-up crew member. It is among the most peaceful hermit crabs and rarely bothers fish, corals or other invertebrates. Keep at 22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4 and specific gravity 1.020-1.025; in an established tank with algae growth it needs little special care. The key is shell supply: always keep empty shells of several sizes available so it can move up as it grows and molts. Like other invertebrates it cannot tolerate copper-based medications or sudden parameter swings, so acclimate slowly.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab
The Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab grows to Up to about 3.8cm body length.
It lives on reef slopes and coral rubble from 1 to 52 m and reaches about 3.8 cm in body length.
Temperature & humidity for the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab
The ideal temperature for the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Coral reefs of the western Atlantic (Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, southern Florida)
Size
Up to about 3.8cm body length
Temperature
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 22–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
PeacefulReef safe
Sources: LiveAquaria / SeaLifeBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Paguristes cadenati Forest, 1954
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab Listings
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