Halloween Hermit Crab - Ciliopagurus strigatus
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The Halloween Hermit Crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus) is a brilliantly colored and highly active scavenger, instantly recognizable by its vivid orange and red banded legs. Popular in reef aquariums for its personality and cleaning ability, this hermit is excellent at consuming leftover food and detritus while adding striking visual interest to the tank.
Common Name: Halloween Hermit Crab
Scientific Name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
Family: Diogenidae
Size: Up to 2 inches
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Difficulty: Easy
Reef Safe: Yes
Native Region: Indo-Pacific, commonly found on sandy and rocky substrates around coral reefs.
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Substrate: Sand or mixed substrate to allow natural foraging behavior; plenty of live rock for grazing.
• Shells: Provide a selection of larger empty shells to prevent aggression toward snails or other hermits.
• Behavior: Active climber and constant scavenger; may knock over loose frags or decorations.
• Diet: Omnivorous—feeds on detritus, leftover food, algae, and meaty foods.
• Tankmates: Generally safe with fish and most inverts; monitor around small snails or slow-moving species.