Red leg Hermit crab

The Red-legged Hermit Crab ( Clibanarius diguetti ) is one of the most popular cleaning invertebrates in reef aquariums. Its bright red-orange legs make it easily identifiable. Native to the Eastern Pacific, it is a tireless worker for water quality and algae control.

His role in the baccalaureate

Multipurpose cleaner: filamentous algae, cyanobacteria, diatoms, organic waste in the substrate. Stirs the sand superficially as it moves, preventing anoxic zones.

Recommended conditions

• Temperature: 22–26°C — Salinity: 1.023–1.026
• pH: 7.8–8.4 (normal natural day/night fluctuation in a reef tank)
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH — Calcium: 380–430 ppm
• Empty replacement shells in several sizes — mandatory

Behavior

Active day and night. Changes shells regularly — always provide larger empty shells to avoid attacks on live snails.

Dosage

1 per 4–5L for active control or 1 per 8–10L for maintenance.