{"product_id":"blue-eye-hermit-crab-calcinus-laevimanus","title":"Blue Eye Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Eye Hermit Crab is one of the most attractive and useful small hermit crabs available for the reef aquarium. Its otherwise dark legs are dressed in white or orange bands, and its long eyestalks are a brilliant blue that fades into an orange-tinged upper half, giving this little crab a colour combination that punches well above its size. Also known as the Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab, the Hawaiian Reef Hermit, and the Left-Handed Hermit Crab, this species has an enlarged left claw that it uses to block the entrance to its shell when threatened by a predator, a clever built-in defence mechanism that makes it hardier and more self-sufficient than many other small reef hermits. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in cleaning performance and reef compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy we love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrilliant blue and orange eyestalks with boldly banded black and white legs make this one of the most visually striking small hermits in the hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsumes hair algae, film algae, detritus, uneaten fish food, and cyanobacteria, covering a broad range of common reef nuisances\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully reef safe and peaceful with corals, fish, and most ornamental invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall adult size makes it an excellent addition to nano aquariums as well as larger systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy, active, and endlessly entertaining to watch as it explores the rockwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuggested parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalinity: 1.025 to 1.026 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 8.1 to 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium: 400 to 450 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium: 1250 to 1400 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: 5 to 20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhosphate: 0.03 to 0.12 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCopper-based medications are toxic to all invertebrates and must never be used\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Peaceful toward fish, corals, and most invertebrates; all hermit crabs are capable of killing snails for their shells, and this is something to be mindful of when stocking your cleanup crew\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef safe: Yes, fully compatible with corals and sensitive invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum tank size: 20 gallons; suitable for nano systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest added to mature, well-established aquariums where a plentiful source of marine algae is already present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive among rocks and rubble, constantly exploring in search of organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA selection of empty shells in graduated sizes must always be available so this crab can move up as it grows\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Eye Hermit Crab is primarily herbivorous with scavenging tendencies that make it a versatile and effective cleanup crew member.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrazes naturally on algae, biofilm, and cyanobacteria growing on rockwork and substrate throughout the day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScavenges detritus and uneaten fish food from the sandbed and rock surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf there is insufficient algae present in the aquarium, supplement with dried seaweed or nori to prevent starvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWill also accept quality sinking pellets and algae-based prepared foods as supplemental feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo target feeding necessary in most established reef systems with healthy algae growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent with all reef fish, corals, and most ornamental invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid housing with larger crabs, aggressive hermit crabs, or fish with powerful jaws that might attack it or target its shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be kept in groups; multiple individuals work well together in a reef system provided sufficient space and food are available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid triggerfish, pufferfish, and large aggressive wrasses that may target small invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep an eye on snail populations; provide plenty of empty shells to reduce the likelihood of snail predation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth and acclimation notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Eye Hermit Crab is a hardy, low-maintenance species that settles into reef systems quickly and gets to work almost immediately. Drip acclimation is recommended, as with all invertebrates, to avoid osmotic shock from rapid salinity changes. The most important ongoing care requirement is maintaining a supply of appropriately sized empty shells at all times. A hermit crab left without a suitable shell to move into during growth is a stressed and vulnerable animal. Regular water changes help maintain the mineral levels that support healthy exoskeleton development, and copper-based medications must never be used in any system housing this or any other invertebrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will receive: 1 Blue Eye Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShell colour and leg banding can vary slightly between individuals; the brilliant blue lower eyestalk and enlarged left claw are the key identifying features of this species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrip acclimation is recommended. Empty shells in graduated sizes must be maintained in the system. Copper-based medications must never be used in any system housing this animal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53575466254609,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/DARDANUSMEGISTOSHAIRYHERMITCRAB_1.png?v=1779234028","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/blue-eye-hermit-crab-calcinus-laevimanus","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}