{"id":2621,"date":"2026-02-16T23:11:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/blue-eyed-hermit-crab-clibanarius-tricolor\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T23:11:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:11:59","slug":"blue-eyed-hermit-crab-clibanarius-tricolor","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=blue-eyed-hermit-crab-clibanarius-tricolor","title":{"rendered":"Blue Eyed Hermit Crab Clibanarius Tricolor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blue Eyed Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(Also known as Tricolor Hermit Crab, Blue-Legged Hermit Crab, or Caribbean Blue Hermit Crab)<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor<\/em>) is a small, colourful marine crustacean<\/strong> highly prized for its bright appearance and excellent cleaning abilities. Recognisable by its electric blue legs<\/strong>, white banding<\/strong>, and distinctive turquoise eyes<\/strong>, this hermit crab is both attractive and functional in reef aquariums. A natural scavenger, it feeds on algae, detritus, and leftover food, helping maintain a clean and balanced ecosystem. Hardy, active, and reef safe, the Blue Eyed Hermit Crab is a perfect addition to most marine cleanup crews.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Native to the Caribbean Sea<\/strong>, Gulf of Mexico<\/strong>, and Western Atlantic Ocean<\/strong>. Typically inhabits shallow coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and tidal zones<\/strong>, where it moves between rocks and coral rubble in search of food and empty shells.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

An omnivorous scavenger<\/strong>, Clibanarius tricolor<\/em> constantly grazes on biofilm, algae, and detritus. Supplement its natural diet with 3\u20134 feedings per week<\/strong> of:<\/p>\n

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    Algae wafers or marine pellets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Seaweed sheets (nori)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Leftover fish food<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Feeding ensures the crab remains healthy and reduces competition or aggression over food and shells.<\/p>\n

    Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Low to moderate lighting.<\/strong> This species does not depend on light and will thrive under typical reef illumination, often foraging during both day and night.<\/p>\n

    Water Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moderate flow.<\/strong> Provide steady circulation that keeps detritus suspended but allows calm areas where the crab can rest and scavenge comfortably.<\/p>\n

    Placement & Habitat Setup<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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      Provide a mature tank<\/strong> with plenty of live rock<\/strong> for grazing and hiding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Include a variety of empty shells<\/strong> of different sizes and shapes to accommodate growth and reduce shell-related aggression.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      A sandy or fine-gravel substrate<\/strong> allows for natural movement and burrowing behaviour.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Tank Mates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Reef safe.<\/strong> Excellent companion for:<\/p>\n

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        Peaceful reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Other small hermit crabs and shrimp (with adequate space and shells)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Corals, anemones, and most invertebrates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Use caution with:<\/p>\n

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        • \n

          Large, aggressive crabs or carnivorous fish (triggers, puffers, wrasses) that may prey on them<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Snails \u2014 while generally peaceful, C. tricolor<\/em> may occasionally evict snails for their shells if replacements are unavailable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Aggression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          Peaceful, with mild opportunism.<\/strong> Generally non-aggressive, but shell disputes can occur if spare shells are limited. Always provide plenty of empty shells<\/strong> to reduce competition.<\/p>\n

          Experience Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          Beginner.<\/strong> The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab is hardy, easy to care for, and highly beneficial for reef maintenance \u2014 ideal for new and experienced aquarists alike.<\/p>\n

          Water Parameters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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          • \n

            Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201381\u00b0F)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            pH:<\/strong> 8.1\u20138.4<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Salinity:<\/strong> 1.024\u20131.026 SG<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Ammonia \/ Nitrite:<\/strong> 0 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Nitrate:<\/strong> <10 ppm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Tank Size:<\/strong> Minimum 20 litres (5 gallons)<\/strong> for small groups; larger tanks preferred for stability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Lifespan & Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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            • \n

              Size:<\/strong> Up to 2.5 cm (1 inch)<\/strong> including shell<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Lifespan:<\/strong> 2\u20134 years in captivity with proper diet and stable water quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Reef Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              Fully reef safe.<\/strong> The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab is a valuable member of any cleanup crew, consuming nuisance algae, detritus, and leftover food without harming corals or other invertebrates. Its vivid colours, energetic behaviour, and low maintenance make it a top choice for reef aquariums of all sizes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Blue Eyed Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) (Also known as Tricolor Hermit Crab, Blue-Legged Hermit Crab, or Caribbean Blue Hermit Crab) Overview The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) is a small, colourful marine crustacean highly prized for its bright appearance and excellent cleaning abilities. Recognisable by its electric blue legs, white banding, and distinctive turquoise […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2620,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[75],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2621","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-marine-crabs","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/2621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=2621"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=2621"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=2621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}