Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Calcinus Elegans)

The Blue Leg Hermit Crab is a popular and practical addition to marine aquariums, valued for its vivid blue legs with black bands and its ability to clean algae and detritus from the tank. Known for their hardy nature and functional behavior, these hermit crabs are ideal for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. They are also reef-safe when well-fed but require plenty of empty shells to avoid conflict.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 1 inch.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; suitable for nano tanks or larger reef setups.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on algae, leftover food, and detritus. Supplemental feeding with algae wafers or meaty foods like mysis shrimp is beneficial in tanks with limited natural food sources.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; may display minor aggression toward other hermit crabs if empty shells are not readily available.
• Skill Level: Beginner; easy to care for and hardy, making them suitable for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals but may disturb small invertebrates if not well-fed.

Special Features - Algae Control and Bright Coloration
The Blue Leg Hermit Crab is not only functional but also visually appealing, with bright blue legs that add a pop of color to your tank. Its constant grazing behavior helps control nuisance algae and keep the tank clean.

Compatibility
This hermit crab is peaceful and works well in reef tanks with other small, non-aggressive invertebrates and fish. Avoid housing it with large predatory species like triggerfish or puffers that may view it as food.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Blue Leg Hermit Crab features striking blue legs with black bands and a tan-to-brown body, often housed in various snail shells.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in coral reef areas and sandy bottoms where it forages for food.
• Tank Setup: Requires plenty of live rock and sandy areas for foraging, as well as an ample supply of empty shells to accommodate growth and reduce competition.

Special Considerations

• Shell Availability: Provide a variety of empty shells to prevent aggression and ensure the crab can move into larger shells as it grows.
• Algae and Detritus Control: While they are effective at cleaning, supplemental feeding may be necessary in tanks with limited algae or detritus.
• Behavior: These crabs are generally peaceful but may compete with other hermits or snails for shells if resources are scarce.