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Electric Blue Hermit Crab

(Calcinus elegans)

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 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 2"
• Diet: Omnivore   • 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, Bright Blue, Orange
• Origin: Marshall Islands, Indo-Pacific • Family: Diogenidae   • Species: Crabs

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Native Habitat and Species Information

Electric Blue Hermit Crab native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility.

The Electric Blue Hermit Crab, a very rare find within the marine aquarium hobby, because it originates exclusively from the Marshall Islands. The Electric Blue Hermit Crab has electrifying blue legs with black banding, and its antennae stand out with its bright orange color, giving it a truly impressive appearance.

Both claws are close to being equal size, and are brownish green in color. This tiny crab lives in abandoned snail or triton shells, or it may resort to attacking and eating a snail so it can use the shell for its home. Other than its aggression towards snails if in need of a new shell, the Electric Blue Hermit Crab is very peaceful and will not harm any corals or fish within the aquarium.

Aquarium Care

How to successfully keep Electric Blue Hermit Crab in the home aquarium.

The Electric Blue Leg Hermit Crab is a valuable addition to an aquarium because it will eat algae including green hair algae and cyanobacteria (red slime algae). In addition, the Electric Blue Hermit Crab provides valuable aeration by sifting through the sand. This species of Hermit Crab is considered to be the most is reef-safe species available within the aquarium trade.

The Electric Blue Hermit Crab is without a doubt the most sought after addition to any cleaning crew for both its gentle nature towards other tank inhabitants and the fact that it will eat all the most undesirable algae.

Feeding & Nutrition

How to feed and provide proper nutrition for Electric Blue Hermit Crab.

The Electric Blue Leg Hermit Crab will primarily eat algae present within the aquarium, but if insufficient amounts of algae are present, then it will need to be fed dried seaweed or equivalent green stuffs.

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