There are several species of hermit crabs that are considered safe for reef aquariums, as they typically do not harm the corals or other invertebrates. Some commonly recommended species include:
- Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
- Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
- Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
- Electric Orange Hermit Crab (Calcinus sp.)
- Halloween Hermit Crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus)
- Red Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius sp.)
However, it’s important to note that even these “reef-safe” hermit crabs may occasionally nip at small polyp stony corals or other invertebrates. Additionally, hermit crabs can be opportunistic feeders and may scavenge on dead or dying animals, which can be harmful to water quality. Therefore, it’s important to monitor their behavior and adjust feeding and maintenance accordingly.