Anemone Hermit Crab – Dardanus pedunculatus

The Anemone Hermit Crab (Dardanus pedunculatus) is an interesting hermit for large community aquariums. It can be identified by its spiny claws and green eyes. This crab will collect anemones on its shell to use as camouflage and its messy eating habits actually help to feed the anemones. This crab will eat invertebrates like corals and should not be kept in a reef aquarium.

Most hermit crabs are scavengers. Some smaller hermit crabs will feed on algae like nuisance hair algae while larger hermit crabs are scavengers and carnivores. Most hermit crabs are opportunistic – they will not actively hunt for a fish or active invertebrates but will prey on sick, dead, or dying individuals. Only the larger hermits like those from the genuses Aniculus, Dardanus, Peguristes, and Petrochirus are a real threat to healthy, larger tankmates or to corals. Calcinus, Clibanarius, and Paguristes are some of the most common \