Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 1"
• Diet: Herbivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 12 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Calcium, Iodine, Trace elements   • Coloration: Black, White, Orange, Blue
• Origin: Pacific • Family: Diogenidae   • Species: Crabs

Help Support AquariumDomain!      

• Your support keeps AquariumDomain advertisement free, lightning fast and fully optimized for both mobile and desktop browsing.

• Visit our Patreon page to learn about the exclusive benefits our Patrons receive!

The Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab, also known as the Hawaiian Reef Hermit Crab or Left-handed Hermit Crab, is a very small hermit crab, but unlike many other hermit crabs, has an enlarged left claw. If a predator attacks, the Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab can back into its shell and use the large claw to block the entrance to its shell.

The Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is a member of the genus Calcinus, which have long eye stalks. In the case of Calcinus laevimanus, the lower half of the eye stalk is blue, and the upper half, orange.

The Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is a valuable addition to an aquarium because it eats many kinds of algae, including red slime algae (cyanobacteria), and sifts the sand, as well. This species should only be added to mature marine aquariums where a plentiful source of marine algae is present.

The Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab makes an excellent addition to any marine community or reef aquarium, as it will eat most any marine algae and will not cause any harm to even the most sensitive fish, coral or invert species.

The small adult size of this species also makes them an excellent addition to nano-aquariums. Overall a very easy species to keep and very rewarding and beneficial as well.

The Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is a true herbivore and will feed exclusively on marine algae found within the aquarium. If there is insufficient algae in the aquarium, the diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.