Zebra Reef Hermit Crab – Red Sea (Calcinus laevimanus)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Max Size: 1 inch
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.023-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Zebra Reef Hermit Crab – Red Sea (Calcinus laevimanus) – Comprehensive Guide

Habitat: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is native to the Red Sea and can be found in various coral reef habitats. They are typically found in shallow waters.

Reef Safe: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is considered reef safe as it generally does not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when keeping them with very small or delicate species.

Reef Cleaner: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is known to be a reef cleaner. It helps to control algae growth by consuming algae and detritus in the aquarium. This makes it beneficial for maintaining a clean and healthy reef environment.

Size: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab grows to a maximum size of around 1 inch.

Sexual Dimorphism: There is no noticeable difference in appearance between male and female Zebra Reef Hermit Crabs.

Lifespan: In a well-maintained aquarium, the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab can live for several years.

Diet in Aquariums: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is an omnivore and will consume a variety of foods. It primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and leftover food in the aquarium. Supplementing its diet with specialized crab and invertebrate foods is recommended.

Aquacultured Availability: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is currently aquacultured and readily available to hobbyists. This means that they are bred in captivity rather than being collected from the wild, which helps to reduce the impact on wild populations.

Compatibility: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is generally compatible with a wide range of fish, invertebrates, and corals. However, caution should be exercised when keeping them with very small or delicate species that may be vulnerable to their scavenging behavior.

5 Tankmates: Good tankmates for the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab include:

• Clownfish: They are compatible and their bright colors provide a visually appealing combination.
• Fire Shrimp: They can coexist peacefully and both contribute to the overall health of the aquarium.
• Emerald Crab: They help control algae growth and are compatible with the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab.
• Cleaner Shrimp: They can coexist peacefully and both contribute to the overall cleanliness of the aquarium.
• Soft Corals: Zebra Reef Hermit Crabs do not harm soft corals and can be kept together in a reef aquarium.

Temperament: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is generally peaceful and does not pose a threat to other tank inhabitants. However, they may compete with other hermit crabs for shells, so providing an ample supply of suitable shells is important.

Other Common Names: The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is also known as the Red Leg Hermit Crab.

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Popular Questions and Answers:

1. Can the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab be kept in a smaller tank?
Yes, the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab can be kept in a smaller tank, but a minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended to provide enough space for them to scavenge and explore.

2. How often should I feed the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab?
The Zebra Reef Hermit Crab should be fed small amounts of food multiple times a day. This can include specialized crab and invertebrate foods, as well as small pieces of meaty foods and algae.

3. Can the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab be kept with aggressive fish?
It is generally not recommended to keep the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab with aggressive fish, as they may become targets of aggression or may have their shells damaged. It is best to choose tankmates that are peaceful and compatible.

4. How often do Zebra Reef Hermit Crabs molt?
Zebra Reef Hermit Crabs molt periodically as they grow. The frequency of molting can vary, but it is typically several times a year.

5. Can the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab be kept in a reef aquarium with delicate corals?
Yes, the Zebra Reef Hermit Crab is generally considered safe to keep in a reef aquarium with delicate corals. However, caution should be exercised to ensure that they do not accidentally damage the corals or disturb their placement.