Scientific Name:
Dardanus pedunculatus.
Identification:
There are 3 Dardanus species which are known to attach anemones to their host shells: D. pedunculatus, D. tinctor and D. deformis. D. pedunculatus attains a size of about 4", has green eyes and claws with spines on the outer surface.
Distribution:
Indo-Pacific in general, however D. pedunculatus is found more in the Indian Ocean, D. tinctor in the Red Sea, and D. deformis in the Great Barrier Reef area.
Maximum Size:
To 4".
Reef Safe?:
Due to its size, this Hermit Crab has been known to bulldoze through just about anything in a reef tank. It is best kept in a species only tank or a large tank with large fish. It has also been know to capture smaller fish as they sleep at night.
Diet & Feeding:
This Hermit Crab scavenges just about anything within reach of the bottom, including small fish, defenseless invertebrates, algae, and uneaten food. Its diet should be supplemented with aquarium foods once they have scraped the tank bare. The associated anemones should be target fed finely chopped seafoods.
Characteristics:
Due to its size, this Hermit Crab has been known to bulldoze through just about anything in a reef tank. It is best kept in a species only tank or a large tank with large fish. It has also been know to capture smaller fish as they sleep at night.
