Crab – Electric Blue Legged Hermit

Electric Blue Legged Hermit Crab Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 5cm (2″)

Diet: Omnivore (Known to eat hair algae and cyanobacteria)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive (Towards snails if there isn’t a sufficient amount of empty shells)

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Scientific Name: Calcinus Elegans

Other Names: Blue Zebra Hermit Crab, Blue Leg Reef Hermit Crab

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

The electric blue legged hermit crab is one of the rare species not often seen in the hobby. Its scientific name is Calcinus Elegans. This crab comes from the Calcinus family. Their maximum size is 2” and they can live up to 20 years. Electric blue leg hermits are omnivores that will scavenge leftover food/algae from the tank. They are also known for eating hair algae and cyanobacteria. Electric blue leg hermits have a minimum tank size of 5 gallons. These hermit crabs are considered semi-aggressive. Hermit crabs use empty shells from snails as their house. Every so often a hermit crab will outgrow their shell, and they will look for a larger one. If there are no empty shells large enough for the hermit crab to move into, they will sometimes become predatory to certain snails, if their shell is the right shape and size. This is not done on a regular basis. Electric blue leg hermits are coral and invertebrate safe.