Scarlet Reef Hermit Crabs (Paguristes Cadenati)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Red, Yellow

Diet : Herbivore, Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

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

Max. Size : 1½"

Origin :  Caribbean Sea

Family : Diogenidae

Supplements : Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Scarlet Reef Hermit Crabs (Paguristes Cadenati)  is also known as Scarlet Red Leg Hermit, Red Legged Hermit is very hardy and requires minimal care in a well-established system. 

The general colour of this hermit crab is bright red with the exception of the antennae, which are deep red, and the elongated eyestalks, which are yellow or yellowish-orange. The corneas of the eyes are yellowish-green. The red reef hermit crab grows to a length of about 3 cm (1.2 in).

This hermit crab is suitable for inclusion in an invertebrate-friendly reef aquarium where it consumes algae, including filamentous, hair, and slime algae, as well as cyanobacteria and is useful in keeping the tank clean.

It is best kept in a reef system with adequate supply of algae since they eat almost anything. Like other hermit crabs, an ample supply of empty shells should be available for the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab to move into as they molt and grow. 

Unlike some hermit crabs, most Scarlet Reef hermit crabs are very peaceful towards their tankmates. 

As with all invertebrates, they do not tolerate copper-based medications and extreme fluctuations in water parameters.

Will eat filamentous algae and cyanobacteria. Feed meaty bits such as raw table shrimp and frozen mysis shrimp. They will appreciate offerings of Nori or other vegetation as well. Feed once or twice a week depending on amount of Hermit Crabs vs. amount of available food for them to forage on their own.