Size of blue legged hermit crab?

[JacquieBeginnerReef]

Hello,
One of my blue legged hermit crabs just keeps getting bigger and bigger - he’s in a fairly big shell now, and I believe he eats the small hermits. How big do they normally get? Should I get rid of any larger shells so he doesn’t go bigger yet again? He’s about 9 months and has switched shells approx 5 times. The others don’t. I’d say he’s in a 3cm shell.

 

[Peach02]

not sure on a max size but taking away shells will just increase aggression and I dont think it will stop growth

 

[sfin52]

they stay relatively small. no bigger than an inch. I keep shells in the tank.

 

[JacquieBeginnerReef]

Thanks for your replies - what’s the biggest one you’ve seen? Surely they stop growing at some point?

 

[sfin52]

about your size

 

[JacquieBeginnerReef]

about your size

Hopefully he will stop growing now then

 

[Salty Lemon]

My hermit crabs will jump the snails in the tank if there aren't enough shells for them to move into -- not a pretty sight.

 

[Saveafish]

Small enough to get into pumps and big enough to kill snails

 

[sfin52]

My hermit crabs will jump the snails in the tank if there aren't enough shells for them to move into -- not a pretty sight.

Its a massacre

 

[Salty Lemon]

Its a massacre

Most definitely.

 

[JacquieBeginnerReef]

Oh my! Do I need a separate hermit crab tank or something !?

 

[Hemmdog]

Oh my! Do I need a separate hermit crab tank or something !?

No lol, just all part of your little ecosystem.

 

[Mariette]

No need to separate them. Just make sure there are lots of empty shells of varying shapes and sizes to reduce competition.

 

[Salty Lemon]

No need to separate them. Just make sure there are lots of empty shells of varying shapes and sizes to reduce competition.

You frequently can buy shells online or at a larger fish store.

 

[Mariette]

You frequently can buy shells online or at a larger fish store.

I prefer the dollar store. They occasionally have decorative bottles of shells for $2-$3. Just make sure they’re not dyed or scented. I soak in saltwater. Scrub. Chuck em in the tank. No issues yet

 

[Salty Lemon]

I prefer the dollar store. They occasionally have decorative bottles of shells for $2-$3. Just make sure they’re not dyed or scented. I soak in saltwater. Scrub. Chuck em in the tank. No issues yet

My mind is blown and I'm so excited about this new information!

 

[JacquieBeginnerReef]

No need to separate them. Just make sure there are lots of empty shells of varying shapes and sizes to reduce competition.

That’s just it - I have loads of shells, but he still harasses the smaller crabs and snails. If he gets much bigger it will be the fish he harasses next!

 

[Salty Lemon]

That’s just it - I have loads of shells, but he still harasses the smaller crabs and snails. If he gets much bigger it will be the fish he harasses next!

I'm a librarian in the real world -- I would put this in the 364's section -- true crime. Which is essentially serial killers and complete crazy people. I think your aquatic friend officially falls into that category.

 

[sfin52]

are we sure its a blue leg.

 

[Mariette]

That’s just it - I have loads of shells, but he still harasses the smaller crabs and snails. If he gets much bigger it will be the fish he harasses next!

Sounds like you just got a bad Apple. If you’re worried, maybe consider rehoming or returning the little terror