Crab – Halloween Hermit

Halloween Hermit Crab Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 5cm (2″)

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

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 8 years

Scientific Name: Ciliopagurus Strigatus

Other Names: Striped Hermit Crab, Orange Legged Hermit

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

The halloween hermit crab is one of the most popular hermit crabs in the hobby. Its scientific name is Ciliopagurus Strigatus but they are often referred to as the Halloween hermit crab, the striped hermit or the orange legged hermit crab. The Halloween hermit comes from the Diogenidae family. Their maximum size is 2” and they can live up to 8 years. Halloween hermits are omnivores that will scavenge leftover food/algae from the tank. They are known for eating hair algae and cyanobacteria. Halloween hermit crabs have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. Halloween 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. Halloween hermits are considered coral and invertebrate safe.