Choose Long Legged Saltwater Hermit Crabs For A Reef Tank
I bet you didn’t know that hermit crabs are classed as foragers in their native lands. Well they eat pretty much anything that comes their way and this makes them the first choice of many people that are setting up a reef tank. Long legged saltwater hermit crabs are an excellent choice for keeping a reef tank aquarium clean because they will actively eat any algae that is lurking in the depths of the tank.
Carefully chosen long legged saltwater hermit crabs should not have a negative impact on a reef system. In fact, you can only benefit from them. Small species of crabs are preferable because they do not impact on other reef life and can easily get into tiny cracks and crevices that are most likely to contain algae. Also, long legged saltwater hermit crabs are nimble enough to get under rocks or coral and dispose of unwanted algae. Large species such as the Halloween Hermit and Yellow Hermit are unsuitable for reef tanks since they may unwittingly cause a disturbance in your reef system. They like climbing over rocks and because of their bulk could easily cause moving of corals and knocking over of any rockscape arrangements. They may also be tempted to eat some of the tank’s inhabitants!
When looking for a reef safe hermit crab you can do no wrong if you choose a dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab. These long legged saltwater hermit crabs, also known as Left Handed Hermit Crabs get their name from their distinct coloring. They have black and white pincers, as well as white bands on their otherwise long black legs. They have long eyestalks which are a brilliant blue, fading into an orange tinged upper half. Although they are small, they have an enlarged left claw which they use to good effect to block the entrance to their shell, if they are under attack. These feisty little creatures actively scour the tank seeking out detritus (excess food) and nuisance algae, including red slime algae. However, if there’s not enough algae to go round, then you need to supplement their diet with dried seaweed. As with all hermit crabs, you will also need to provide them with a source of sea shells to grow into. The good news is that they are relatively inexpensive to buy.
Other popular long legged saltwater hermit crabs that are suitable for the janitor’s position in a reef tank or marine aquarium, are the Scarlet Reef hermit crab which is chosen primarily for its bright color and the Blue Legged hermit crab, who not only eats red slime algae but sifts and scours the sand and rocks and leaving the tank virtually nitrate free. They are good little workers and are an excellent addition to your cleaning crew. Once again, if algae levels dry up, then you need to supplement their diet with some dried seaweed.
S you can see how vital a part the humble hermit crab plays in both reef and marine life and there are some colorful characters to be had when choosing long legged saltwater hermit crabs.
