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Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati) Information

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com

Scientific Name:

Paguristes cadenati.

Other Common Names:

Red Reef Hermit Crab, Red Legged Hermit Crab.

Identification:

This hermit crab has red legs and a yellow face.

Distribution:

Caribbean and Western Atlantic.

Maximum Size:

To 1 1/2".

Reef Tank Safe:

Yes.

Diet & Feeding:

The Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is a great addition to a saltwater aquarium because it eats many kinds of algae, including red slime algae (cyanobacteria), and sifts the sand, as well. If there is not enough algae in the aquarium to sustain them, the hermits' diet should be supplemented with seaweed.

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