Tricolor hermit crab

Clibanarius tricolor

Familia : Diogenidae

InvertebradoMarinohermit crab

Small hermit crab with legs striped in blue, red, and yellow, very popular in marine aquariums as an algae cleaner.

Estado IUCN
LC
Preocupación menor
Bioma
Récifs de l'Atlantique Ouest tropical.

Descripción

Clibanarius tricolor reaches up to 2.5 cm in length (including shell). Its legs are adorned with alternating blue, red, and yellow bands, and its claws are often blue with white tips. The body is soft and asymmetrical, adapted to living inside a shell. It is an active scavenger that moves quickly across the substrate. Males have larger claws than females, but sexual dimorphism is subtle.

Hábitat

Región :

This hermit crab inhabits shallow waters of coral reefs and rocky areas in the Caribbean. It is often found on sandy bottoms or among coral rubble, searching for empty shells for protection. It is most active at night and hides in crevices during the day.

Distribución :

Parámetros recomendados

Temperatura2228 °C
pH8.18.4
Salinidad1.0231.025
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.1 mg/L

Cuidado

Dificultad
2/5
Dieta
Omnívoro
Tanque mín.
40 L
Grupo mín.
1
Tamaño adulto
2.5 cm
Esperanza de vida
4 años
Temperamento
Pacífico
Propagación

Notas de cuidado

A tank of at least 10 gallons (40 L) is recommended for a small group. Water should be maintained at 22-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. Provide a sandy substrate and plenty of empty shells of various sizes to allow shell changes. It is omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, and leftover food; it also accepts shrimp pellets and dried seaweed. Generally peaceful but may attack small snails for their shells. Iodine supplementation is needed to support molting.

Referencias