Anemone Hermit Crab (Dardanus Pedunculatus)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Aggressive

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size : 4"

Origin : Indian Ocean

Family : Diogenidae

Supplements : Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elemen

Anemone Hermit Crab (Dardanus Pedunculatus) is a species of hermit crab from the Indo-Pacific region. It lives at depths of up to 27 m and collects sea anemones to place on its shell for defence.

Anemone Hermit Crab usually attain a maximum size of 10 centimetres (4 in). The carapace is mottled in tan and cream, while the eyestalks are white with red bands.

The Anemone Hermit Crab will often carry multiple small anemones on the back of its shell. They will be found in sandy reefs among intricate live rock structures.The anemone attached to the shell provides camouflage, protection, and the two invertebrates share food.  In the wild, when the crab moves the anemone about the reef, it helps the anemones disperse. When the crab outgrows its shell, it will leave it behind and find a new, larger shell and transfer the anemone on to it or select a larger anemone.

This Hermit Crab prefers an aquarium with large amounts of stable rock work and dim light.

The Hermit Crab is aggressive and makes a poor candidate for a reef or peaceful fish aquarium. It will eat fish, snails, and worms, but also detritus and some algae. As it grows, it will need larger shells, therefore multiple sizes of gastropod shells should be available to it.

If there is insufficient algae to eat, dried seaweed should be provided. Molluscs, worms, and other meaty items can be provided.

Size: Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"; Large: 2" to 4"