Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes Cadenati)

The Scarlet Hermit Crab is a vibrant and peaceful addition to any marine or reef aquarium. Known for its bright red legs and small size, this hermit crab is both beautiful and beneficial. It serves as part of the aquarium's cleanup crew, feeding on detritus, algae, and leftover food, helping to keep the tank clean and balanced.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 1.5 inches.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; more space will provide better scavenging opportunities.
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and uneaten food. Providing additional food like sinking pellets, algae wafers, and meaty foods (like shrimp) will ensure its nutritional needs are met.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; less aggressive compared to other hermit crabs, but still benefits from having extra empty shells available to prevent competition with other crabs.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it ideal for novice aquarists.
• Reef Compatibility: Not safe with snails; while generally peaceful, Scarlet Hermit Crabs may target snails for their shells if there aren't enough empty shells available.

Special Requirement - Extra Shells
Like other hermit crabs, the Scarlet Hermit Crab will need to change shells as it grows. To prevent any competition or aggression over shells, ensure there are multiple empty shells of varying sizes available in the aquarium.

Coloration

• Caribbean: The Scarlet Hermit Crab is typically found in the Caribbean Sea and is known for its bright red legs and yellow eyestalks. Its vivid red coloration adds a pop of color to any reef tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: The Scarlet Hermit Crab is native to the Caribbean Sea, where it inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas, foraging for algae and detritus. They prefer shallow waters with plenty of hiding spaces​