Brown Leg Hermit Crab

General information

Clibanarius vittatus, also known as the thin-stripe hermit crab, has a soft abdomen and lives inside the empty shells of mollusks that protect it. It has small legs called chelipeds that are covered with hair-like structures. Its body is dark green or brown with streaks of white. It can grow up to 10 cm (4 in) or more. 

They are omnivore scavengers that feed on detritus, algae, and leftover foods.

The male Brown-legged hermit crab releases spermatophores to a female that will brood the egg mass in her abdomen. When the eggs are ready to hatch, they are released into the water. The female crab can produce as much as 180,000 eggs every brooding time.

Breeding this crab in the aquarium may be difficult as it reproduces according to certain seasons every year.

The Brown-legged Hermit Crab is native to the Carribean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the western part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Like most invertebrates, the Brown-Legged 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.

Most invertebrates do not like large swings in water parameters and the Brown-Legged 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.