Hermit crab

[EJreefs31]

My daughter brought home a hermit crab from the beach today and i was wondering if it would survive in my 55 gal mixed reef tank

 

[Naiad]

Did she find it on the beach or in a tide pool? I would be concerned that it might be a land hermit that can only spend short periods in water.

 

[EJreefs31]

She was looking for shells in the water and found it about 20 ft off the beach

 

[EJreefs31]

I mean can this thing really drown??

 

[classklown90]

It will be fine if its aquatic but if it's Coldwater species it will not live long in a reef.

Best not to add wild animals in though, parasites etc.

 

[Naiad]

Land hermits can drown. If he was in water there is a good chance he is a reef hermit that got washed away in the tide. I can check my invert book when I get home to see if I can id at least a genus for you

 

[Squishie89]

I believe that is actually a thin stripe hermit so I think he will survive =)

 

[EJreefs31]

Ok kewl will he help with clean up?? And what should i feed him also will it hurt my cbs or my emerald crab?

 

[Naiad]

Very likely Clibanarius Vittatus or as squishie said a thin stripe. The likelihood improves a great deal if you happen to be in Florida.

 

[EJreefs31]

Nah it was in biloxi ms they said they had to really look for one hard

 

[Naiad]

Nope he won't bother them. Possibly steal shells and eat snails if you don't provide alternative options. He will eat any kind of food you offer lol.