Red Leg Hermit Crab
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It is easy to see why the Red Leg Hermit Crab is one of the most popular reef maintenance animals. They are 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 Red Leg Hermit Crabs are very peaceful towards their tankmates.
Red Leg 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, they only grows to an adult size of 3.8cm in length.
In the home aquarium, they is best kept in an established reef system with ample algae growth. 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 Red Leg 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.