Crab – Scarlet Hermit

Scarlet Hermit Crab Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 5cm (2″)

Diet: Omnivore (Known to eat cyanobacteria)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 30 years

Scientific Name: Paguristes Cadenati

Other Common Names: Red Reef Hermit

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

The scarlet hermit crab is one of the most popular hermit crabs in the hobby. Its scientific name is Paguristes Cadenati but they are referred to as the scarlet hermit or the red reef hermit. The scarlet hermit comes from the Diogenidae family. Their maximum size is 2” and they can live up to 30 years. Scarlet hermits are omnivores that will scavenge food/algae from the tank, these hermit crabs have also been known to eat cyanobacteria. Their minimum tank size is 5 gallons. Scarlet 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. Scarlet hermit crabs are peaceful and are coral and invertebrate safe.