Scarlet Hermit Crab

The Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati) has red legs and a contrasting yellow face. It is a small reef scavenger that searches rock surfaces and crevices for algae and other edible material.

Choose stocking numbers around the food your aquarium can supply. An established reef with grazing surfaces suits this crab, but algae and leftovers may not provide enough food indefinitely. Supplement with suitable marine foods or dried seaweed when natural food becomes scarce.

Provide empty shells in suitable sizes so the crab has room to grow. Keep it with compatible inhabitants and avoid copper-based medications in its aquarium. A cleanup animal still needs a feeding plan and stable conditions; it does not replace routine maintenance or water-quality checks.