Common name: Anemone Hermit Crab

General information

The Hairy Red Hermit Crab, Dardanus pedunculatus, is a striking invertebrate known for its vibrant red color and distinctive set of hairy legs. This species is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts due to its active behavior and beneficial role in the tank ecosystem. It is a scavenger that helps maintain cleanliness by consuming detritus, leftover food, and algae.

Care

Caring for the Hairy Red Hermit Crab involves providing a tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate, which allows them to forage and hide. They require a variety of empty shells to choose from as they grow and need to switch to larger homes. Stable water quality and parameters are essential, as with all marine invertebrates.

Reproduction

In the wild, hermit crabs reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. The larvae go through several planktonic stages before settling to the bottom and adopting a shell. Breeding in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved in home aquariums.

Symbiosis

Some hermit crabs, including Dardanus pedunculatus, may engage in a symbiotic relationship with anemones. They carry sea anemones on their shells, which provide protection with their stinging cells. In return, the anemones get to share the crab's meals and move around the reef to find food.

Habitat

The Hairy Red Hermit Crab is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble areas, usually at depths where light is sufficient for the growth of algae, which forms part of their diet.