Strawberry Hermit Crab (Dardanus venosus)

Max Size: 5 inches
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

The Starry Hermit Crab is a reef-safe invertebrate that makes for an easy-to-maintain addition to your aquarium. It showcases a red to brown coloration adorned with small white spots and can reach a size of up to 3/4 inches. Like other hermit crabs, it resides in empty mollusk shells and will change shells as it grows larger.

In terms of diet and nutrition, the Starry Hermit Crab is an omnivore, primarily feeding on algae and other invertebrates to sustain itself.

However, it's important to exercise caution when caring for the Starry Hermit Crab. Similar to most invertebrates, it is sensitive to large fluctuations in water parameters and should not be exposed to any metal traces in the water, particularly copper medications, as this can be harmful to them.

To ensure a smooth acclimation process, it is advisable to acclimate the Starry Hermit Crab carefully. Although most hobbyists may not acclimate their cleaner crews, it is suggested to do so in this case. For acclimation, you can float the cleaner crew in an area with low light in your sump, allowing them to temperature acclimate for about 15-20 minutes. Following this, it's best to slowly drip acclimate them to enable adjustment to your specific water conditions. By taking these steps, you can provide a comfortable and suitable environment for your Starry Hermit Crab to thrive in your reef aquarium.