Orange and Black Hermit Crab

<p>The popular Orange & Black Hermit Crab or Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is so named because of its attractive color. Its pincers have white or orange bands and its eyestalks are long that are blue in color. It is small but its left claw is larger than the right claw and it serves as protection against predators. It is best placed in the aquarium when it is 1/4" to 3/4" inches in size. </p>

<p>It is an herbivore and it prefers detritus and red slime algae (cyanobacteria) for food. When food is scarce, it can be fed with dried seaweed. </p>

<p>This crab, like any other hermit crabs, is difficult to breed inside the aquarium. </p>

<p>It is native from the inter-tidal areas of Hawaii to the Central and Eastern Pacific. </p>

<p>Like most invertebrates, the Orange and Black 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. </p>

<p>Most invertebrates do not like large swings in water parameters and the Orange and Black 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.</p>

Venomous