Anemone Hermit Crab

Dardanus pedunculatus is a fascinating marine hermit crab that forms a remarkable mutualistic relationship with sea anemones, actively selecting and placing them on its shell for protection — the anemones sting potential predators while benefiting from food scraps from the crab's meals. This extraordinary behaviour makes it one of the most unique, educational, and discussion-generating invertebrates for marine aquariums. It requires moderate experience to maintain and careful selection of compatible tankmates due to the aggressive stinging tentacles of its anemone passengers.

House in a marine aquarium (minimum 150 L) with stable reef parameters (pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.025, temperature 23–27°C). Feed meaty foods: frozen Mysis, chopped seafood, and sinking marine carnivore pellets. Provide multiple shell sizes of appropriate diameter for shell-switching as the crab grows. The anemones on the shell will sting nearby livestock — plan the reef community accordingly. Generally reef-safe with corals that are out of tentacle reach.