Blue Leg Hermit Crab Breeding

[zfunk007]

I was wondering if anyone knows or has an information about how these little guys breed. I have heard stories from people saying that their blue legs were breeding in their tanks but I'd like to know more about it.

I am currently applying to get my aquaculture licence with the state of Florida and these are one of the species I'd like to try and breed. I have watched them in the wild on the reefs down here in Florida to try and get an idea but I haven't seen much. During the day they don't always seem to be incredibly active. Nocturnal perhaps? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[The steven liu]

It'll probably be rather difficult to breed them due to their planktonic larvae stage. At that stage they are basically recognized as zooplanktons and will be eaten by any planktonice feeding fish and inverts. Meanwhile they also need to worry about the fitration system of the tank. Lastly, once they settle down they'll need to find shells small enough for them, which would not be very abundant in home aquaria. But plenty in the nature.