ECC Blue Leg Hermit Crabs

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful/Semi-Aggressive
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Sustainably Harvested
• Approximate Purchase Size: 0.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 1"

Overview

The Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Paguristes sp.) is a popular and hardworking member of many saltwater aquarium clean-up crews. Recognized by their bright blue legs and active scavenging behavior, these small hermit crabs spend much of their time moving across rockwork and sand in search of algae, leftover food, and organic debris. They are mostly peaceful, but may attempt to steal shells from other crabs or snails in the aquarium.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The animal you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your cleanup crew. Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are hardy and adapt well to most established reef aquariums, but providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-25ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Diet

Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are omnivores that feed on film algae, detritus, leftover food, and other organic debris found in the aquarium. Their scavenging behavior helps keep surfaces cleaner and reduces waste buildup. In most established tanks, they will find plenty to eat and usually do not require supplemental feeding.

Compatibility

Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are generally reef-safe and can be kept with most peaceful fish, corals, and invertebrates. They spend most of their time scavenging for food and grazing algae. Like many hermit crabs, they may occasionally fight with other hermits or snails for shells, so providing a few extra empty shells in the aquarium can help reduce aggression.