Green Striped Hermit Crab
Clibanarius vittatus
Saltwater Invertebrate
Species Group: Crab
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Green Striped Hermit Crab
General information
The Green Striped Hermit Crab, like all hermit crabs, also live inside the empty shells of gastropods. Its body is colored dark green or brown with streaks of white or grey. Its legs are also green or brown in color covered with short bristles. It can grow up to 10 cm (4 in) in length. Its head and limbs are the only parts that project through the opening of the shell while its abdomen is fully protected.
Diet & nutrition
It is a scavenger that mainly subsists on detritus.
Breeding & spawning
It reproduces when the male releases spermatophores into the water and the female broods the eggs until they are ready to hatch. However, breeding the hermit crabs inside the aquarium is difficult.
Origination
It is native to the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the western Atlantic Ocean.
Cautions
Like most invertebrates, the Green-Striped Hermit Crab does not do well if there are large swings in water parameters. It also does not tolerate any type of metal traces in the water, therefore, it should never be in contact with any copper medications.
Acclimation process
Most invertebrates do not like large swings in water parameters and the Green-Striped Hermit Crab is not an exception, so even though most hobbyists do not acclimate their cleaner crews it is suggested to do so. If you have a sump, float your cleaner crew in an area with low light to allow them to temperature acclimate first which should take about 15-20 min. Then it is best to slowly drip acclimate them to allow them to adjust to your water conditions.
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