Red Leg Reef Hermit; Pac. – Paguristes sp.

About this invertebrate

Red Leg Reef Hermit; Pac. – Paguristes sp. is a saltwater hermit crab from the genus Paguristes. It helps “work the tank,” scavenging leftover food and organic debris while also actively moving around live rock and substrate. In practical terms, it’s a useful, generally reef-compatible cleanup and detritus-reduction addition to an established marine aquarium, provided you meet hermit crabs’ basic needs for shells and a suitable habitat.

Features:

• Scavenger behavior: feeds on detritus and leftover foods, helping reduce waste accumulation.
• Reef-tank compatible in most setups, acting more like a mobile cleanup crew than a predator.
• Shell-dependent: benefits greatly from having spare empty shells available so it can grow comfortably.
• Substrate and cover: appreciates natural hiding places among rock and a place to retreat.
• Active, outgoing tank behavior that can be fun to watch as it patrols for food.

Specifications:

• Scientific identity (as listed): Paguristes sp.
• Care level (general guidance): Moderate; best for aquarists who can provide shells and stable marine water conditions.
• Temperament (general guidance): Generally peaceful scavenger; may pick at small sessile organisms depending on availability and individual behavior.
• Diet (general guidance): Detritus/leftover foods; will also accept small meaty foods and algae-based scraps offered to the tank.
• Temperature (general guidance): ~72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity (general guidance): ~1.020–1.026 specific gravity
• pH (general guidance): ~8.0–8.4