FAQs about Hermit Crabs: Clibanarius
vittatus, a common Gulf of Mexico Hermit
Related Articles: Hermit
Crabs, Crabs, Marine Scavengers, Fresh to
Brackish Crabs,
Related FAQs: Hermits 1,
Hermit Crabs 2, Hermit Crabs 3, Hermit ID, Hermit Behavior, Hermit Compatibility, Hermit Selection, Hermit Systems, Hermit Feeding, Hermit Reproduction, Hermit Disease/Health, Land Hermit Crabs, Squat Lobsters, Micro-Crustaceans, Amphipods, Copepods, Mysids, Hermit
Crabs, Shrimps,
Cleaner
Shrimps, Banded Coral
Shrimp, Mantis
Shrimp, Anemone
Eating Shrimp, Marine Scavengers, Crustacean Identification, Crustacean Selection, Crustacean Behavior, Crustacean Compatibility, Crustacean Systems, Crustacean Feeding, Crustacean Disease, Crustacean Reproduction,
FAQs: By species: Calcinus laevimanus (Zebra, Left-handed
Hermit), Clibanarius tricolor
(Blue-Legs), Dardanus megistos
(Shell-Breaking Reef, White-spot, Fuzzy
Leg Hermit Crab), Paguristes cadenati (Scarlet, Red-Legged),
Petrochirus diogenes
(a Giant Hermit Crab), & Anemone Hermits, Sponge/Staghorn/Coral house Hermits,
Unknown/Wild-collected,
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What type of hermits are these?
12/22/11
Hello WWM crew,
I have recently arrived in Florida on vacation with my family, and
today I wandered into an estuary and ended up catching 10 Hermit crabs,
all of which are about an inch or so and within 1/2 inch in size of
each other, as well as a 3 inch fighting conch, an inch long lettered
olive, and a 1 1/2 inch crown conch. As you may have noticed I have
already Identified the gastros', but I'm having trouble
figuring out what the hermits are as they have very little resemblance
to any of the picks I've seen on your site.
I'm thinking they are all Clibanarius Vittatus, but they are much
paler, to the point of looking almost eggshell white, and have only a
couple, pale stripes running down each leg. I was hoping you could let
me know what they are, and also if anything I caught would pose a
problem for either each other, or someone who will be putting together
a saltwater tank for the first time (me). Thankfully all I have to do
is walk back to the beach to let any of these guys go if I need to
change something.
Thanks in advance,
Derek
<Clibanarius vittatus is distinctive because of the grey or white
stripes running down its legs. It's a common species and often
found in shallow lagoons and estuarine environments. There are other
Clibanarius species that might be found in Florida as well, such as
Clibanarius tricolor.
Nonetheless, they're all much of a muchness so far as care goes,
and a subtropical marine aquarium would suit Clibanarius vittatus and
any other Floridian species well. Hermit crabs are not necessarily
compatible with one another, and can steal shells from one another if
there aren't enough to go around. Cheers, Neale.>
Re: What type of hermits are these? 12/22/11
Thank you for the snappy response and info! Sadly, when I woke up this
morning, two of the little guys had died. It has been a number of hours
since then, and now two more or dead.
<Too bad. They do need a clean, filtered aquarium with an
established biological filter. They're actually very hardy animals,
but they do have their limits.>
I'm rather worried about this, and want to know what might be
causing it.
<Environmental stress, almost certainly.>
If I can't find a solution I'll release them back into the
estuary and hope I can catch a few the day we are leaving.
<Yes.>
Which brings another issue to mind, how should I best transport them
for a 24 hour car ride?
<In a closed container with some seawater and lots of air, oxygen
being more important than anything else. Just enough water to cover
them, and a pint or two of air will work well. Open the container
periodically if you need to let more air in because you can't find
a big enough container.>
Thanks for the Help,
Derek
<Cheers, Neale.>
Re: What type of hermits are these? 12/23/11
Thanks again for the quick response! It has all been rather
helpful.
Thank you,
Derek
<Most welcome. Cheers, Neale.>
Stocking around Clibanarius vittatus --
9/27/10
Hi, WWM crew!
<Hi Jeff, Lynn here today!>
This past April my neighbor gave me two hermit crabs (C. vittatus) that
she accidentally brought home from a trip to Florida.
<It happens. These hermits can survive out of water for several
days, so it's not all that unusual for a shell collector to
accidentally bring one home. One thing of note regarding this species
is that they can get fairly large.>
I happily took them, and quickly set up a 5 gallon acrylic hexagonal
tank for them,
<Heeeee! Remember in the movie Jaws when Chief Brody told Quint
'You're going to need a bigger boat.'? Well, you're
going to need a bigger tank!>
..complete with sand and a couple pieces of live rock (I'm hoping
to get more soon). The tank also has a number of majano anemones that I
purposely added to make it look a bit more exciting.
<They can be very pretty.>
The filter is an HOB that does about 100gph, and the light is a CFL
that screws into its socket; I believe I have about 2 wpg. I have a
couple questions about stocking and tank size. How big exactly do these
crabs get?
<Big, with carapaces reportedly up to 6' (~15cm) across.>
I was under the impression that they only reached about 7cm or so, but
I read recently that they can reach 10-15cm.
<Yep, and the larger they get, the more their appetite, need for
larger shells, and tendency to knock things about, increases. One thing
I'm unsure of is how long it takes for these hermits to attain such
a large size. I imagine it would take more than just a couple of
years.>
Would it be wise to upgrade to a 10 gallon setup if I plan to add other
animals to the tank?
<Yes, bigger is better when it comes to keeping water parameters
stable and livestock healthy, so I'd recommend going as big as you
can afford.>
If I upgrade, I will be using a hood made for 2 incandescent bulbs, and
will be using 2 Coralife mini CFL 50/50 bulbs
(http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753932&lmdn=Product+Type).
If I don't upgrade, I will use only one of these 50/50 bulbs. (I am
doing this with my anemones, and possibly any other sessile inverts
that I buy, in mind.)
<Okay, just be sure to keep the hermits well fed with a variety of
sinking pellets, and/or meaty bits of marine origin like shrimp, clam,
fish, squid, etc.. This will help deter the hermits from preying on
some of those sessile inverts (particularly any small bivalves),
resting fishes or snails.>
I am asking this because I have heard that hermits can be aggressive
and opportunistic and may attack small sleeping fish,
<Yep, there's no telling what a hungry hermit will pick at or
try to grab.>
..and I plan to add a small damsel
<Personally, I wouldn't add a Damsel to any system smaller than
20 gallons. They're active swimmers that can be pretty feisty on
the best of days, much less when they're confined.>
..and goby,
<Gobies are great. Again, just be sure to keep those hermits well
fed.>
..as well as some snails and a serpent star, without the crabs harming
them.
<I'd hold off on the serpent star until you have a larger
system.>
Thanks very much for your time,
<You're very welcome.>
Jeff.
<Take care, Lynn Z>
Hermit Crab Care 1/8/09 Hi. <Hi
Misty> I found your webpage after making my best attempt to
identify the crab I have as well as learn the best way to care
for it. My husband and I recently spent some time in Panama City,
FL, where we were collecting shells and whatnot. Yes, I have come
to realize, you read hundreds of emails just like this! We
discovered this little guy in the bay. I am still unsure what
kind of hermit crab he is but I am thinking C.
vittatus. Could you please correct me if I am wrong.
<Try to.> I know basically nothing about caring for marine
animals. But, alas have decided to give it a go. I have found
your website extremely helpful. After spending a week in a
plastic Tupperware dish, in some sea water scooped from the bay,
today he went into a tank. We went to our local salt water
aquarium store and purchased a 10 gallon tank, some Instant
Ocean, a filter, a hydrometer, 2 lbs of live rock,
de-chlorinator, and "live" sand. After all the
preparation steps of getting the water ready and settled, in he
went, along with many of the shells found from his very beach. I
did boil the shells before placing them in the water. I also
purchased frozen baby brine shrimp which has to be dissolved in
water for him to eat. <Baby brine is a little small for a food
source, I'd go with small pieces of fish.> So, in the hour
or so that he has been in this new environment he has explored
and thoroughly examined each and every shell I put in there. And,
changed shells now 3 times! I am under the assumption he is happy
because he scoping everything out and seems to be doing quite
well. I discovered tonight while watching him closely as he was
shell hopping that he is missing a whole leg and one of his
claws, both of which are on the same side of his body. This
leaves him with only one usable leg on that side. Really what I
am concerned about is if he will continue to thrive being
"disabled" as he is. I have no idea if this leg loss
has occurred since we brought him home or if he was this way when
we kidnapped him. <Not unusual to see this. When the crab
molts, he should have a new claw and legs. As crabs grow, they
will molt on a regular basis. So, as long as you keep the little
guy fed, I see no problems.> My last concern is the salinity
and temperature in which he should be kept, being that he came
from the gulf. Any information you can provide to me will be
greatly appreciated. <Hermit crabs are very hardy creatures
and are very tolerant of water conditions. A salinity of
1.020-1.023 will be fine. For temperature, set about 75.>
Thank you so much for your time. <You're welcome, and get
that guy some fish and learn more about your find here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/hermitcrabs.htm
James (Salty Dog)> Misty Rettagliata ps: I am including 2
photos of him, in hopes that you can help me identify him.
Hopefully they come thru! <I don't see them.>
<<... Is Clibanarius vittatus... and care information can
be found linked at the top of James' citation on WWM:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/hermitcrabs.htm
BobF>>
Re: Hermit Crab Care 1/9/09 James,
Thanks for your response. <You're welcome.> I am
slightly frustrated the pictures didn't come thru. I am going
to attempt to send them as attachments this time. Today has gone
well. The little bugger has been shell hopping like crazy. Its
almost like a game between the same 3 shells.....back and forth
and over again! You had very little to remark about everything I
said (except probably the absolute essentials) so am I to assume
that thus far I am proceeding correctly? <Yes, but I've
also posted a link leading you to much more info than I have the
time to provide here.> I went back to the fish store today and
talked the guy's ear off trying to get as much information as
I could. When I asked for some fish to feed crabby he basically
put me off saying that it would be better to not put something
like that into the tank and instead gave me shrimp pellets.
<That will work. Hermit Crabs are scavengers by nature and
will eat most anything.> I didn't want to argue because I
know everyone does things differently. I figure I can pick up
some fish at the grocery store! <The fish was meant as an
example of foods they will eat. As long as you have already
bought the shrimp pellets, you might as well use them.> While
I was there I also bought a heater and thermometer, because I was
worried the water temp was too chilly based on what you
recommended. I was correct. The water temp was around 66 degrees
F. As of now it's a comfy 74. <Is fine.> I am going
cuckoo, however, after reading things about the nitrates, iodine,
ammonia, and a million other things it seems as if I should be
monitoring, yet not knowing how! <As I mentioned before,
hermit crabs are very tolerant of water conditions and as for
water testing, I wouldn't worry too much here as long as the
crab will be the only animal in the tank. Watch your feeding
habits, a small portion a day is all that is necessary and a
monthly one gallon water change will be beneficial.> Is there
anything you can suggest I do differently from what I told you
previously? <Not for keeping a hermit crab, you have the basic
equipment, but I do suggest you clean/change the filter media at
least twice monthly.> And, I am interested in adding a 2,
maybe 3 damsels and perhaps one more small hermit. Is this
something you think would be wise? <It can work but two small
damsels would be the limit for a 10 gallon tank. Do not consider
those cute little black ones with the three white spots (Three
Spot Damsel) as they will soon overgrow your ten gallon tank. The
Yellowtail Damselfish is small, colorful and an easy to keep
fish. Further reading on damselfish can be found here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/damsels.htm> Is there much more
that would need to be done before taking those steps? <Yes,
now we are on a different page, we are going to need some type of
biological filtration as a first step. Do read here and related
articles/FAQ's, this will give you a good overview of the
basics. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marineSetUp.htm I've also
provided an index to additional information available. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm>
Again, I appreciate all the knowledge you guys are able to share.
And I am enjoying this website greatly. I have been reading tons.
<Reading will be your best teacher, enjoy.> Thanks so much!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Misty
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Hermit Crab ID 1/10/09 Misty, I am going to
answer the hermit crab ID separate from hermit crab care for ease
of filing in our system. Your suggestion of C. vittatus is
actually a scorpion, not a hermit crab. I'm thinking your
crab is a Clibanarius. James (Salty Dog)> <<What,
scorpion? RMF>>
Re: Hermit Crab ID 01/09/09 Bob, Probably my
fault on the ID as I didn't think two creatures would be
identified as vittatus. Should have investigated the
"C." further. Look here. http://www.ub.ntnu.no/scorpion-files/c_vittatus.php
James <Mmm, perhaps a note here... the second part of
scientific names can/do get used over and over... Genera (plural
for genus, the first part of a species name) are supposed to be
unique. BobF>
Re: Hermit Crab ID 1/10/09 I am sorry for the
confusion. I guess that shows how little I know and how much I
need to study because I was meaning Clibanarius vittatus, simply
shortened it to C. Vittatus not knowing that it too was already a
creature (scorpion)! That being said, then I was correct in my
home id of him. <Actually I erred thinking the "C"
was Clibanarius. Your crab is a Clibanarius vittatus.> I
can't say it enough, thank you thank you thank you and
everyone else for your time and help in these situations.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> Misty
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Does Clibanarius vittatus need land? 08/08/2008 Hi guys,
<<And Gals I hope. Andrew here today>> Judging by the hours
of research online, I'm pretty sure our hermit is a Clibanarius
vittatus (striped hermit crab). In a moment of stupidity we allowed our
son to bring it back to Texas from the bay in the Florida panhandle. We
actually wound up with two, thinking the other was a shell (lesson
learned!). <<he he he>> On the advice of a local saltwater
fish store, we set up a 10 gallon tank with dechlorinated water and
Instant Ocean, crushed coral, a hydrometer, an in-tank filter, empty
shells and a large rock. We have been feeding them shrimp pellets. One
lasted 4 days then died. He was never active and seemed more stressed -
frequently changing shells, then losing a couple legs. The other has
been quite active since we put him in and seems to be doing okay. At
least once a day he climbs to the top of the rock so he's partly
out of the water. He also tried to climb the side of the tank. Question
1: Does he need a different aquarium set up with more land?
<<Some land for this hermit is fine, it can spend a few days out
of water>> Question 2: Does he need any kind of heater? Our room
temp is around 74F. (The pet store guy said no, but I thought you'd
know better.) <<That temperature is fine. If it starts to drop
hen maybe switch to using a heater>> Question 3: Are shrimp
pellets appropriate food? <<Sounds fine. provide a little algae
matter / meaty bits in the diet>> Question 4: Will he dig under
the coral to molt? How much substrate should be on the bottom of the
tank? <<Not much substrate is really needed. Clibanarius vittatus
will look for a sheltered spot, which it feels comfortable in to
molt>> Thanks in advance for your help and for your great site.
We'll never again remove a critter from his natural habitat, but
now that we have we want to do the best we can for him. <<A
lesson learned perhaps. Please do be aware that these DO get
large>> Laurel <<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps.
A Nixon>>
Re: Does Clibanarius vittatus need land? 08/12/2008 Hi Andrew (and
all the other guys and gals!), <<Hi>> Thanks for your zippy
and helpful reply! I have a few quick follow-up questions:
<<Ok>> The only semi-dry land he has right now is the tip
of a rock sticking out of the water. Is that enough? I understand he
can spend time out of the water, but does he need to? Do I need to
provide more than that? <<As long as it has space to walk / move
around, shouldn't be so bad.. Maybe add some base marine rock in an
area to provide land?? How big can he get? Is the 10 gallon tank
enough? (He has 4 empty, larger shells in there now). <<These can
grow to around 10 - 15cm. If you plan to keep, would maybe suggest a
nice 20 gal tank for it as it grows>> Do these guys like to have
company or do they do better alone? <<Same as a lot of hermits in
the aquarium, they usually just go about their own business>>
Again, thanks. You guys are a great resource!! Laurel <<Thanks
for the follow-up, hope this helps. A Nixon>>
I now have (Hermit) crabs!!
Happens... 6/13/06 Hello WWM, I live in South Florida
and my son went to Jensen Beach, Fl this weekend with my sister and
they found a lot of crabs. So, she decided to let all the
kids take two home without knowing what kind they are and how to care
for them. I am pretty sure they are Clibanarius vittatus,
but I can't find much on care. What do they eat, do they
need salt water, do they live on land also? <Not entirely... though
this is a tough species that does spend a good deal of time emersed>
I know nothing!! Please help. I would much rather
take them back to the beach where they belong but it is about 2 and 1/2
hrs. away. I live in a very small town in the middle of
nowhere with a pet store that is very limited on
information. I have been on the computer for 3 hrs. now and
most of what I find is about these crabs in the wild not how to care
for them at home. I don't want them to die but I
don't know what to do. Can you help me? Thank you, Nancy
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/hermitcrabs.htm
and the linked files above. Perhaps as an object lesson you'll want
to have them returned to the shore. Bob Fenner>
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