American Giant Hermit CrabPetrochirus diogenes
To 25-30 cm (9.8-11.7 in.) Caribbean; Western Atlantic
Aquascaping Lives on sandy bottoms and on seagrass beds; perfect for a special aquarium replicating this habitat.
■ Feeding A scavenger and carnivore, grazing rather indiscriminately on small invertebrates (e.g., mollusks and worms). Accepts substitute meaty foods in the aquarium.
■ Compatibility Not reef safe.
The largest hermit crab from the Caribbean region and a possible choice for a biotope or fish-only reef tank. Hardy and long-lived.
Crustacea; Decapoda, Diogenidae
Polkadot Hermit Crab Phimochirus operculatus
■ Feeding Grazes on algae and food scraps; often steals food from other hermit crabs.
■ Compatibility Reef safe.
A common, hardy, and active algae-grazing hermit that is useful in the reef aquarium. It is a bit more aggressive than other such hermits; It may attack snails and members of its own species. Right claw much bigger than left claw.
Crustacea; Decapoda; Porcellanidae
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