Orangeclaw Hermit Crab

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Distributed throughout the tropical western Atlantic, from Florida to Brazil, on coral reefs and rocky shores.

Taxonomy: Classified under the Diogenidae family. A small hermit crab with asymmetrical claws; the left claw is notably larger.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and active scavenger. It spends its time crawling over live rock and substrate, feeding on organic debris and algae.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features dark brown or maroon claws with bright orange or red tips. Sexual dimorphism is not externally visible.

Tank Setup: Suitable for nano-reefs of 10 gallons or larger. Provide plenty of rocky areas and empty snail shells of various sizes.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous and detritivorous. Excellent at consuming nuisance hair algae and leftover fish foods. Eats pellets and flakes.

Water Quality: Demands standard marine conditions: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-28°C, salinity 1.023-1.025, and zero copper levels.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Reef safe and harmless to fish. Ensure enough empty shells are available to prevent shell-stealing from snails.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawning is common. The female carries eggs under her body. Larvae are pelagic and do not survive in standard home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation or shell fights if empty shells are missing. Sensitive to copper treatments and sudden specific gravity changes.