Blue Leg Hermit Crab
Blue Leg Hermit Crab
Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are small, active members of the saltwater aquarium clean-up crew known for their distinctive blue legs and constant scavenging behavior. These hardworking reef invertebrates spend their time exploring rockwork and substrate in search of algae, leftover food, and organic debris.
Their small size makes Blue Leg Hermit Crabs especially useful for reaching tight spaces throughout live rock that larger clean-up crew members may not be able to access. They are an excellent addition to nano reefs, mixed reef aquariums, and larger saltwater systems.
Blue Leg Hermit Crab Care
Scientific Name: Clibanarius tricolor
Common Name: Blue Leg Hermit Crab / Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab
Type: Marine Hermit Crab / Clean-Up Crew
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Omnivore / Algae Grazer / Scavenger
Adult Size: Approximately 1"
Aquarium Area: Rockwork & Substrate
Water Temperature: 74–80°F
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Recommended pH: 8.1–8.4
What Do Blue Leg Hermit Crabs Eat?
Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are opportunistic omnivores that spend much of the day searching the aquarium for food. Their diet can include algae, detritus, uneaten fish food, and other organic material found throughout the reef.
In aquariums with limited natural food, supplemental feeding with algae-based foods, sinking marine foods, or small amounts of meaty reef food can help keep the hermits well fed.
Blue Leg Hermit Crabs in a Reef Aquarium
Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are widely used as reef aquarium clean-up crew members and can generally be kept with corals, peaceful fish, shrimp, snails, and other reef-safe invertebrates.
Providing a selection of empty appropriately sized shells is recommended. As hermit crabs grow, they need larger shells and may compete with snails if suitable empty shells aren't available.
Like other marine invertebrates, Blue Leg Hermit Crabs can be sensitive to sudden changes in salinity and water chemistry, so proper acclimation is recommended.
Why Add Blue Leg Hermit Crabs to Your Clean-Up Crew?
Their small size, active behavior, and ability to reach tight areas make Blue Leg Hermit Crabs a valuable addition to a diverse saltwater aquarium clean-up crew.
They complement algae-eating snails and sand-bed cleaners by scavenging across the substrate and rockwork throughout the aquarium.
Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are also included in our Island Reef Aquatics Small and Large Invert Packs for reef keepers looking for a complete clean-up crew solution.
Available from Island Reef Aquatics with local pickup in Deltona, Florida and shipping available.