TankBud

Scarlet zebra hermit crab

Calcinus laevimanus

Also known as Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab, Orange and Black Hermit Crab, Left-Handed Hermit Crab, Hawaiian Zebra Hermit

SaltwaterCrab

Scarlet zebra hermit crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
User:Haplochromis · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
1.2 in
3 cm
Minimum tank
20 gal
75 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Reef safe
Reef safe
Family
Diogenidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific

Overview

The scarlet zebra hermit crab is a hardy, mostly peaceful grazer for a reef tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

The scarlet zebra hermit crab's noticeably enlarged left claw doubles as a door. It seals the shell opening when the crab pulls inside.

Caring for the scarlet zebra hermit crab

Give the scarlet zebra hermit crab space in an established tank of at least 20 gal (75 L), with algae to graze. Keep a good supply and variety of empty shells for it to move into as it grows.

Hold the water at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4. It grazes many algae types, including red slime (cyanobacteria). It also picks at detritus and small meaty scraps.

It leaves corals and fish alone, so it is reef safe. It is fine in groups of its own kind, though it can be territorial toward other hermits. If shells run short, it will kill snails and rival hermits for their shells.

Good to know

Calcinus laevimanus is a dwarf hermit in the family Diogenidae. It has dark legs banded in white or orange and brilliant blue eyestalks that fade to orange. Its enlarged left claw is why it is also called the left-handed hermit crab.

In the wild

The scarlet zebra hermit crab comes from reef flats and intertidal rock in the Indo-Pacific. It ranges across the Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Australia and the central and western Pacific. It lives on the rock and sand in a borrowed shell.

Common questions

What size tank does a scarlet zebra hermit crab need?

A scarlet zebra hermit crab needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a scarlet zebra hermit crab need?

A scarlet zebra hermit crab is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.

What does a scarlet zebra hermit crab eat?

A scarlet zebra hermit crab grazes many algae types, including red slime (cyanobacteria). It also picks at detritus and small meaty scraps.

How big does a scarlet zebra hermit crab get?

An adult scarlet zebra hermit crab reaches about 1.2 in (3 cm).

Related species