Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
Paguristes cadenati
Origin: Caribbean Sea
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Min Tank
- 40 L
- Lifespan
- 2-4
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- herbivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful; may evict snails from shells if spare shells are not provided; reef-safe with corals.
About
The Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati) is a stunning and highly effective clean-up crew member for reef aquariums, featuring brilliant red legs and distinctive yellow-tipped eyestalks. A voracious grazer of hair algae and cyanobacteria, it also scavenges detritus and uneaten food from substrate. Regarded as one of the most reef-safe and visually appealing hermit crab species in the marine hobby, it is a staple of Caribbean-sourced CUC packages.
Care Guide
Provide spare shells of varying sizes so the crab can upgrade as it grows without resorting to evicting snails. Keep one per 20–40L of aquarium volume as part of a diverse clean-up crew. Generally reef-safe; may occasionally bother very slow snails. Acclimate slowly using the drip method. Avoid copper-based treatments which are lethal to all hermit crabs.
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