Cuban Hermit Crab

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Highly common in the Caribbean Sea, from the Gulf of Mexico and Florida down to the coasts of Brazil. Inhabits shallow sand flats, lagoons, and tide pools.

Taxonomy: Member of the family Diogenidae. A dwarf hermit crab species reaching about 2-3 cm in size. Features subequal claws and walking legs adapted to sandy flats.

Social Behavior: Very peaceful, social, and active. Coexists perfectly in large groups. Spends its time systematically cleaning algae and detritus from the sand and live rock.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Walking legs are primarily olive-green or dark greyish with lighter grey-beige longitudinal stripes. Claws are dark green. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Tank Setup: Suitable for small nano reefs of 5 gallons or larger. Provide plenty of live rock for climbing. Small empty gastropod shells must be added to allow growth.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivore and detritivore. Consumes green hair algae, film algae, diatoms, and leftover fish food. Accepts spirulina wafers and sinking pellets.

Water Quality: Stable marine parameters: SG 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-28°C. Highly sensitive to copper treatments and elevated nitrates.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Perfect Clean-Up Crew (CUC) member. Compatible with peaceful fish and corals. May occasionally target small live snails if empty shells are lacking.

Aquarium Breeding: Microscopic larval stages are pelagic and complex, and do not survive standard home aquarium filtration systems.

Risks and Diseases: Low iodine or calcium leading to failed molts. Lack of suitable replacement shells causes high stress. Highly sensitive to copper treatments.