Coral hermit crab - Paguritta sp.

[ruirui]

Hi there,

Recently bought a christmas worm rock and found hitchhikers - coral hermit crabs. Several of them in empty cavities.

Are these hermit crabs reef safe? I could not find much info on these. Other name found is Paguritta sp. Can anyone advise?

Thanks.

[ruirui]

Looks exactly like below.

https://reefguide.org/pagurittasp1.html

[R0B]

There are many types of hermit crabs and most are reef safe (no guarantees). Paguritta tend to be filter feeding crabs so you should be okay.

Tidal gardens did a video on Paguritta crabs...

For crab info check out
https://reefguide.org/index25.html#Right-Handed_Hermits to confirm the identify you new tank mate.

Then use which has more info https://www.reeflex.net/kategorie/51.html#paguritta

Looks like an added benefit from what I can see.

Let me know if you interested in letting one go, as would be keen to increase the bio-diversty in my tank haha.

Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app

[ruirui]

Thanks! Yea read those links and video. ID as Morgan's coral hermit crab. mentioning filter feeder and meaty food nearby. But however no mention if coral safe. Anyway already in tank and shall see how it goes. You know how to lure and catch the crab?

 

Edited September 8, 2020 by ruirui

[ruirui]

Also read a scientific research article that the worm itself, its action going in and out also causes tissue damage to coral around its tube.

[ruirui]

Photo of my rock.

[ruirui]

under blue light orange lens. hard to shoot crab.

[ruirui]

counted 4-5 morgans. A couple circled out. 40 Christmas worms.

Edited September 9, 2020 by ruirui

[ruirui]

Just to share, found a photo of an amazing christmas worm rock covered with rainbow monti. 

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/massive-rainbow-monti-christmas-tree-worm-in-rock-one-of-a-kind-coral.737488/

[ruirui]

Found another hitchhicker - Marine spider. Spins web to catch food and retract web.

[ruirui]