{"product_id":"dwarf-blue-leg-hermit-crab-clibanarius-tricolor","title":"Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab - Clibanarius tricolor","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClibanarius tricolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is a small and colourful marine scavenger recognised by its vivid blue legs, contrasting orange-red bands and compact borrowed shell. Also known as the Blue-Legged Hermit Crab or Tricolour Hermit Crab, it originates from shallow Caribbean marine habitats where it moves across rock, rubble and substrate in search of algae, detritus and leftover food. Hardy, active and useful as part of a balanced clean-up crew, it is well suited to established reef aquariums when supplied with sufficient food and a selection of appropriately sized spare shells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab, Blue-Legged Hermit Crab, Caribbean Blue-Leg Hermit Crab, Tricolour Hermit Crab, Blue Leg Hermit Crab\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClibanarius tricolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 2 cm across the body and legs, excluding the shell. The overall visible size varies according to the shell being occupied.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the Caribbean Sea and surrounding tropical western Atlantic waters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt inhabits shallow coastal environments, including rocky shores, reef margins, rubble areas and protected marine habitats. Individuals spend much of their time moving across hard surfaces and substrate while scavenging for edible material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 23–27°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: 1.023–1.026 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally peaceful but opportunistic. The Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab does not normally attack healthy fish or corals, although it may compete with other hermit crabs and snails for food or suitable shells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnderfed individuals or those without access to appropriately sized empty shells may harass or kill snails to take their shells. Providing regular food and several spare shells can reduce, but not completely eliminate, this risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn omnivorous scavenger that consumes detritus, leftover fish food, carrion, biofilm, cyanobacteria and several forms of nuisance algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, supplement natural grazing with small pieces of dried marine algae, sinking herbivore foods, marine pellets, mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Feeding is particularly important in very clean aquariums or where numerous clean-up crew animals compete for limited food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab should not be expected to survive entirely on waste, nor should it be treated as a guaranteed solution for established nuisance algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 40 litres is suitable for a small number of hermit crabs, provided the system is mature and stable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStocking numbers should be matched to the available grazing area and food supply. Overstocking clean-up crew animals can result in starvation, shell competition and increased aggression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn active scavenger that spends much of its time exploring live rock, rubble and substrate in search of algae and edible debris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike all hermit crabs, it protects its soft abdomen by occupying an empty snail shell. As the crab grows, it must periodically move into a larger shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt regularly moults its hard outer skeleton. During and immediately after moulting, the crab is soft, vulnerable and likely to remain hidden within rockwork or its shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn empty-looking exoskeleton may be mistaken for a dead crab. Check carefully before removing it, as the animal may simply have moulted and retreated into shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab is generally compatible with healthy corals and is widely used as part of a marine aquarium clean-up crew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, it may climb over corals, dislodge unsecured coral pieces and attack snails or other hermit crabs during competition for shells. Small, weakened or recently moulted invertebrates may also be vulnerable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProviding adequate food, shelter and a varied selection of empty shells helps reduce unwanted behaviour, although complete compatibility with snails cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide several clean, empty marine snail shells in a range of slightly larger sizes and opening shapes. There should be more spare shells than hermit crabs so each animal has a genuine choice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not use painted, varnished or chemically treated decorative shells. Natural marine shells that have been thoroughly cleaned are the safest option.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce only to a fully cycled marine aquarium with stable salinity and good water quality. Slow acclimatisation is recommended because crustaceans can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, salinity and pH.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHermit crabs are highly sensitive to copper-based medications. Never expose them to copper treatments or add water from a medicated holding system to the display aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide live rock, rubble and crevices where the crab can graze and shelter during moulting. Avoid keeping it with triggerfish, larger puffers, predatory wrasses or other fish likely to crush or consume small crustaceans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor interactions with snails carefully. Even when spare shells are available, an individual hermit crab may occasionally attack a snail for food or attempt to take its occupied shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid adding excessive numbers simply to control algae. A clean-up crew should be stocked according to the aquarium’s actual food supply rather than its total water volume alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the animal you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39423484657837,"sku":"AG-101205","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/DwarfBlueLegHermitCrab-Clibanariustricolor.jpg?v=1785407406","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/dwarf-blue-leg-hermit-crab-clibanarius-tricolor","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}