Green Hermit Crab (Clibanarius sp.)

The Green Leg Reef Hermit Crab is an active scavenger and a valuable addition to your marine or reef aquarium's cleanup crew. This hardy omnivore spends much of its time foraging across live rock and sand substrate, searching for algae, detritus, and uneaten food. Its small size allows it to reach into tight spaces and crevices, helping keep areas of the aquarium clean that larger inhabitants may overlook.

Named for its distinctive green-colored legs, the Green Leg Reef Hermit Crab adds both function and activity to the home aquarium. It does best in established saltwater reef or fish-only systems with plenty of live rock and a sand substrate where it can naturally forage. As it moves across the substrate in search of food, its activity can also help stir and aerate the upper layers of the sand bed.

Like other hermit crabs, the Green Leg Reef Hermit Crab makes its home in abandoned snail shells and will require progressively larger shells as it grows. Providing several empty shells of varying sizes and shapes can help reduce competition for suitable homes. If natural algae and food sources become limited, its diet can be supplemented with dried seaweed and other appropriate foods for marine omnivores.

Like other marine invertebrates, the Green Leg Reef Hermit Crab should be carefully acclimated to prevent stress from sudden changes in water chemistry, particularly salinity and pH. Maintain an invertebrate-friendly aquarium free of copper-based medications and aggressive predators.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"

Care details

• Temperature: 72 - 78° F
• dKH: 8 - 12
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
• Color: Green
• Family: Diogenidae
• Diet: Herbivore