Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab

General information

The Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab is one of the most unique species of hermit crabs. Its legs are colored green or black with bright yellow bands. It is also one of the reef-safe animals. It grows up to 1 in and its small size allows it to dig into substrates and small rocks. It lives inside empty snail shells.

It mainly subsists on algae and cyanobacteria (red slime algae).

It is native from Vietnam.

Like most invertebrates, the Dwarf Yellow Tip 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 Dwarf Yellow Tip 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.