Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 1"
• Diet: Omnivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 12 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Calcium, Iodine, Trace elements   • Coloration: Blue, Black, Orange
• Origin: Caribbean • Family: Diogenidae   • Species: Crabs

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The Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab or as it is more commonly known the Blue Leg Hermit Crab is a very small species (approx. 1 inch) that has blue legs with small red banding. The Blue Leg Hermit Crab is a "Equal-handed Hermit Crab" in that both of its claws are of equal size. Blue Leg Hermit Crabs make their homes out of abandoned snail shells or similar shells if available, when no empty shells are available they will often kill a snail and takeover its shell.

As a whole, this species is very peaceful and will go about its business of eating small morsels of leftover meaty foods or macro algae. This is an excellent "tank cleaner" and is commonly found in "reef janitors" or "cleaning crew" packs. Because of their small size, the Blue Leg Hermit Crab is able to forage in locations within the live rock and reef that other larger janitors cannot reach. This makes them an invaluable addition to a balanced cleaning crew along with the larger hermit crabs and snails.

The Blue Leg Hermit Crab is an excellent addition to any reef or peaceful community fish aquarium, where it will eat many forms of algae including: green hair algae & cyanobacteria (red slime algae). The Blue Leg Hermit Crab is commonly found in "reef janitor" packs, where its size and varied appetite make it an extremely useful cleaner. This species is very peaceful and with the exception of the occasional snail (for its shell), the Blue Leg Hermit Crab will not hurt or damage and other species.

Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are suitable for any reef environment and are prized for their small size and large appetites as they can get into place many other cleaners cannot. Blue Leg Hermit Crabs will also eat any leftover meaty foods in the aquarium, which makes them an excellent all around cleaner. In addition, it provides valuable aeration by sifting through the sand for food which helps eliminate "dead spots" in the substrate.

The Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab is a valuable addition to an aquarium because it eats algae including green hair algae and cyanobacteria. If sufficient algae or leftover foods is not available, the Blue Leg Hermit Crab will need to be fed dried seaweed.