Description

Halloween Hermit Crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus)
The Halloween Hermit Crab is one of the most colorful hermits available, featuring striking orange-and-red banded legs that stand out in any reef aquarium. Larger and more robust than smaller hermits, this species is a strong scavenger that consumes algae, detritus, and leftover food. While eye-catching and useful, it can be more aggressive than dwarf hermits and may disturb snails or unsecured corals if underfed. Best suited for larger reef systems where its size and activity can be accommodated.

  • Care Level: Easy to Moderate

  • Reef Safe: With caution (may harass snails or move corals if hungry)

  • Diet: Algae, detritus, leftover meaty foods

  • Behavior: Active, strong scavenger; can be aggressive if underfed

  • Recommended Tank Size: 30+ gallons

🦀 Halloween Hermit Crab 
Scientific Name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
Common Name: Halloween Hermit Crab, Striped Hermit Crab
Size: ~2 to 3 inches
Reef Safe: ✅ With caution (generally reef-safe when well-fed and housed properly)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivorous – eats algae, detritus, leftover food, and sometimes smaller inverts
Tank Role: Algae grazer and powerful scavenger

Halloween Hermit Crab - Ciliopagurus strigatus

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    $14.99 $12.00

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      DescriptionDescription

      🔍 Description:
      The Halloween Hermit Crab is a bold and striking addition to any marine tank, instantly recognizable by its bright orange legs striped with black — a true showstopper in your cleanup crew. In addition to its looks, it’s a hardworking scavenger and algae grazer, especially good at clearing detritus and nuisance algae from rocks and sand.

      This hermit does best in larger tanks with robust rockwork and plenty of empty shells. While generally reef-safe, it may pick on snails or corals if underfed or lacking a new home.

      Must HaveMust Have

      ✅ Why They're a Must-Have (for the right system):

      Algae Assassin: Actively grazes on film algae, green hair algae, and even some types of cyanobacteria.
      Detritus Devourer: Keeps sandbeds and rockwork clean by consuming organic waste.
      Large and Visible: Great for show tanks — adds color and movement.
      Long-Lived: Hardy and adaptable when given stable conditions and enough space.

      Notes for SuccessNotes for Success

      ⚠️ Notes for Success:

      Needs Larger Shells: Provide a variety of shell sizes to avoid snail aggression.

      Use in Medium–Large Tanks: Not ideal for nanos — may bulldoze or crowd smaller inhabitants.

      Keep Well-Fed: Like most large hermits, they may become opportunistic if hungry.

      Reef-Safe With Caution: Generally safe, but monitor around small inverts or delicate coral frags.

      Best Used ForBest Used For

      🧽 Best Used For:

      Medium to large reef tanks with moderate algae and detritus

      Aquariums where visual impact and cleanup are both desired

      Balanced clean-up crews with snails, conchs, and shrimp

      Description

      Halloween Hermit Crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus)
      The Halloween Hermit Crab is one of the most colorful hermits available, featuring striking orange-and-red banded legs that stand out in any reef aquarium. Larger and more robust than smaller hermits, this species is a strong scavenger that consumes algae, detritus, and leftover food. While eye-catching and useful, it can be more aggressive than dwarf hermits and may disturb snails or unsecured corals if underfed. Best suited for larger reef systems where its size and activity can be accommodated.

      • Care Level: Easy to Moderate

      • Reef Safe: With caution (may harass snails or move corals if hungry)

      • Diet: Algae, detritus, leftover meaty foods

      • Behavior: Active, strong scavenger; can be aggressive if underfed

      • Recommended Tank Size: 30+ gallons

      🦀 Halloween Hermit Crab 
      Scientific Name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
      Common Name: Halloween Hermit Crab, Striped Hermit Crab
      Size: ~2 to 3 inches
      Reef Safe: ✅ With caution (generally reef-safe when well-fed and housed properly)
      Temperament: Semi-aggressive
      Diet: Omnivorous – eats algae, detritus, leftover food, and sometimes smaller inverts
      Tank Role: Algae grazer and powerful scavenger

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