The Hermit Crab with Anemone forms a symbiotic relationship with the anemone with which it shares its home. The anemones that are attached to the shell provide camouflage as well as protection. The Hermit Crab with Anemone shakes the front anemones in the hope of stinging the invader into retreat. The Hermit Crab with Anemone undergoes molting and sheds its exoskeleton in order to grow. It prefers an aquarium with large amounts of stable rock work and dim light. The Hermit Crab with Anemone is aggressive and is not suitable for reef or a peaceful community tank. It feeds mainly on fish, snails and worms, apart from detritus and some algae. As it grows, the Hermit Crab with Anemone needs larger shells, therefore we advise you to add multiple sized shells in the aquarium tank.
These Hermit Crabs carry Anemones on their shell for protection. The crab itself is red with dark markings. They are very active and should be fed daily. These crabs are great scavengers for large fish-only tanks. Keep only one per tank.Crabs belong to the Class Crustacea and Order Decapoda. Hermits and Porcelain Crabs belong to the Section Anomura, which consists of long antennae and three pair of walking legs. The head of the Crab is connected to the thorax and covered by a shell called carapace. They have a smaller abdomen and tail compared to Shrimp and they keep this tucked beneath the carapace. The first pair of their legs are usually developed claws which they use to gather food, use as protection, and to move objects. In order for Crabs to grow they need to shed their exoskeleton, a process called "molting", which allows them to remove their restricting shell and begin a new one. Often times in the home aquarium Crabs will leave this translucent shell in full view so it can serve as a distraction while the Crab finds a hiding place and allows its new shell to harden. Hermit Crabs use abandoned shells as their home. These Crabs usually have extended abdomens that they wrap around the inside of the spiraling shell leaving only their head and claws exposed. When approached these Crabs can recoil into the shell for protection. When a Hermit Crab grows it will often seek out a new larger shell.
