Blue Banded Hermit Crab.. Reef Safe?

[eeorrandy]

Hi,

Just wanted to find out if a Blue Banded Hermit Crab is reef safe.

Thanks
Randy

 

[BeanAnimal]

I think you will find varying opinions.

The hermit is also known as the "electric blue hermit". Most people report this crab to be reef safe and an algea lover.

However you should know that ALL crabs are opprotunistic omnivores and will eat anything if they are hungry or just plain feel like killing something. I don't think they (the electric blues) will attack corals per say but may eat your small snails and other crabs, as well as shrimp and benneficial life out of your sandbed.

All in all this guy does seem to be popular along with the Scarlet harmets and blue legs. Others may be able to offer first hand advice, as I have never owned one.

 

[eeorrandy]

Thanks for the response. All the reports I've seen say pretty much the same thing.

Thanks
Randy

 

[bowfront26]

i have had one for about 2 years and have never had a problem with any corals.

 

[otterpop510]

i've never had any problems with mine with corals either..

 

[thehedge]

When they get bigger, they tend to terrorize turbos for their shells, even when you have shells sitting around the place.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Wouldn't you rather have a nice cozy recently worn home, instead of an abandoned shack?

 

[eeorrandy]

Thanks for all the replies, helps alot

Randy

 

[SuperNerd]

I have seen them huge...and by huge I mean their shells were the size of baseballs...

I don't know where dealers got the idea that they only get to be 2 inches (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1479) because they can get as big as those non reef safe, hairy hermit crabs(http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=617)...

I've kept electric blues and never had a problem with them eating corals. I currently have the orange variety and also have no problems...but I think that with crabs as long as they are well fed they will be less likely to go after the things you like...

My orange does not go after turbos for their shells and I do have empty shells of various sizes laying around for them...knock on wood. :rollface:

 

[romunov]

Well, it depends how you define "reef safe".

 

[DarrellD]

This is an old thread and I'm not sure if anyone will see this or not, but in California, we have blue banded hermits (Pagurus samuelis) that are different than the electric blues you see on LA. Anyone know if they are reef safe?

 

[Shawn O]

blue banded hermits (Pagurus samuelis) appears to be a cooler water species, may not survive long in a 78~80f reef tank.