Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab
Paguristes cadenati
Also known as: Red Reef Hermit
A tireless little reef cleaner with bold red legs and a peaceful disposition.
About
The scarlet reef hermit crab (Paguristes cadenati) is one of the most reliably useful cleanup crew members you can add to a saltwater tank. Native to the Caribbean and surrounding Atlantic waters, this small hermit crab spends its days methodically picking over rock surfaces, sand, and substrate, consuming algae, detritus, and leftover food that would otherwise foul the water. That constant foraging activity is what makes it so popular. It earns its keep in a way that's easy to observe and appreciate. The vivid red legs with yellow-spotted eyestalks make it one of the more visually interesting cleanup crew options, so it doesn't just disappear into the rockwork the way some invertebrates do. Temperament-wise, the scarlet reef hermit is generally peaceful toward fish and most other invertebrates, making it a reasonable fit for community reef setups. Like all hermit crabs, it will need access to empty shells larger than its current one as it grows. Keeping a few spare shells on hand saves it from eyeing up a neighbor's home. This is a forgiving choice for newer saltwater keepers, and a solid foundational member of any reef cleanup crew.
Similar species
Other invertebrate you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab need?
- The Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab aggressive?
- The Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab eat?
- The Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- Is the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab reef safe?
- The Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is generally considered reef safe.