Description

The Red Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius digueti or Clibanarius spp.), often called the Mexican Red Leg Hermit Crab, is a small, reef-safe invertebrate commonly used in saltwater aquariums as part of a clean-up crew. It’s prized for its algae-eating habits and low maintenance.

🦀 Red Leg Hermit Crab Description:

• Scientific Name: Clibanarius digueti (common species)

• Common Names: Red Leg Hermit Crab, Mexican Red Leg, Dwarf Red Leg Hermit Crab

• Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)

• Coloration: Reddish-orange legs with dark banding and black-tipped claws; eyes on stalks

• Lifespan: 2–4 years with good care

• Behavior: Peaceful, scavenging, mostly active during the day

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (can be kept in nano reefs)

• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred for foraging

🍽️ Diet:

• Omnivorous scavenger – feeds on:

  • Algae (green hair, diatoms, and film algae)

  • Detritus and uneaten food

  • Leftover fish food

  • May nibble at seaweed sheets or sinking pellets

• Supplement: Occasional dried seaweed or algae wafers if algae is scarce

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes – generally harmless to corals

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful with fish, corals, and other inverts

  • May occasionally fight snails or other hermits for shells, so offer extra empty shells of various sizes

💡 Care Tips:

• Always provide a variety of empty shells to prevent aggression and allow growth

• Very useful for algae control and sandbed cleanup

• Will climb rockwork and sift substrate – helps aerate the sand

• Sensitive to copper-based medications and poor water quality

• Acclimate slowly to avoid salinity shock

📝 Summary: