Paguristes cadenati (Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab)

Source: liveaquaria.com

QUICK STATS

• Care Level: Easy
  
• Temperament: Peaceful
  
• Reef Compatible: Yes
  
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
  
• Max. Size: 1½"
  
• Color Form: Red, Yellow
  
• Diet: Herbivore, Omnivore
  
• Origin: Caribbean, Eastern Asia, Indo-Pacific, Western Atlantic
  
• Family: Diogenidae
  
• Insert Date: 4 June 2010
  

It is easy to see why the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is one of the most popular reef maintenance animals. Paguristes cadenati is very hardy and requires minimal care in a well-established system. More importantly, however, these small hermit crabs have a voracious appetite for detritus and algae. In fact, they are particularly fond of nuisance algae of the filamentous, hair, and slime varieties, as well as cyanobacteria. Finally, unlike some hermit crabs, most Scarlet Reef Hermit Crabs are very peaceful towards their tankmates.
Also known as the Red Reef or Red Legged Hermit Crab, the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is named for its bright red legs, which are contrasted by their yellow face. Native to the reef faces and coral rubble of the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, these active scavengers can consume large amounts of animal matter and algae. Despite their large appetites and constant feeding habits, the Scarlet Reef only grows to an adult size of 1-1/2" in length.

In the home aquarium, Paguristes cadenati is best kept in an established reef system with ample algae supplies. However, they will eat almost anything, including fish food and invertebrate diets. If algae levels are insufficient, supplement their diet with dried seaweed and other marine foods.

Like other hermit crabs, an ample supply of empty shells should be available for the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab to move into as they molt and grow. As with all invertebrates, they do not tolerate copper-based medications and extreme fluctuations in water parameters. Also, take special care to ensure an invertebrate-friendly environment free of predators.

Other Links:
http://frugalreef.com/wiki/Hermit_Crab
http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-HermitCrab.htm

Friday we bought a new hermit crab, this one is a different kind then the one we already had. Pictures will come soon!

The new hermit crab we bought Friday, here are the first pictures. He now hides, just like the other, close to the Xenia.

The Hermit Crab is still hanging around the Xenia a lot. After inserting the new Sea Star we found him on adventure, still not far from the Xenia, but at least a bit more visible

On june 15 the hermit had a little nighttime adventure, trying to climb on the cleaner.

We haven't spotted him for a while, ever since I moved him down. I did find a red leg on the top of the rocks and a whole body near the tubeworm. However, this could be from scaling, so doesn't have to mean anything. If he is dead his shell should be somewhere still.

The hermit lost his skin, I started to wonder if he died, since I found a leg somewhere lose and havent seen him anywhere, just his shell underneath the rocks outside of my reach. But yesterday we saw him move around again...so he is doing fine

Our second hermit crab joined us three months ago. During our vacation he moved into a bigger shell so he seems to be growing bigger. Last few days he shows himself more often too, in the beginning he hide himself under the rocks often.