Calcinus elegans

Blue Knuckle Hermit Crab

Electric Blue Hermit Crab

Electric Leg Hermit Crab

Halloween Hermit Crab

Electric Blue Knuckle Hermit Crab

Neon Blue Leg Hermit Crab

Neon Blue Stripe Hermit Crab

Left-Handed Hermit Crab

Elegant Hermit Crab

Marshall Island Hermit Crab

Marshall Island Electric Blue Hermits

Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab

 
Physical
Size:4.63 cm (1.82 in.)     Stocking Density Calculator
Color Variations:The Halloween Hermit is a color variant of this species and has orange striped legs rather than blue.
This variant can be found in the Hawaiian Islands.
Compatability:Community
Semi-aggressive
Reef Safe
If large enough shells (over 2 inches in diameter at the largest) are not provided this hermit, as with all hermits, may kill other shell dwelling creatures and steal their shells.
Minimum Tank Size:24 Gallons (90.85) Liters
With a well kept nano reef a well cared for blue knuckle should do well.
Ease of Keeping:1 - 2
Water Conditions
Type:Saltwater
Temperature:76.87° F (24.93° C)
pH:8.28
General Hardness (GH):10
Salinity:1.024
Living
Food Preference:Omnivorous.
Grazes and many types of both green and brown algae, including green hair algae.
Will also forage for overfed fish foods.
Seaweed sheets must also be supplemented where other foods are not available.
Shrimp matter, detritus, cyanobacteria (red slime algae) may be made a part of its diet as well.
Swimming Level:Bottom
Schooling:No
Setup:Plenty of live rock should be provided for the crab to forage and climb on.
Safe open places should be provided for molting and exoskeleton hardening.
Large enough shells (slightly over 2 inches in diameter) should be provided in plenty for shell switching.
Distribution:Indo-Pacific.
Marshall and Hawaiian Islands.
Breeding
Ease of Breeding:4 - 5
Sexing:Males and Females both reach the same size at maturity.
No sexual dimorphism.
Request more detailed breeding information.
Sources:http://www.fishprofiles.com
http://lukesaquarium.com
http://www.bluezooaquatics.com
http://www.petsolutions.com
http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk
http://www.freshmarine.com
http://aquatic-store.co.uk
http://www.vividaquariums.com
http://www.theaquariumwiki.com
http://commons.wikimedia.org

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Blue Knuckle Hermit Crab (Calcinus elegans)
Photo by David Ban
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