Blue Eyed Hermit Crab Clibanarius Tricolor

Blue Eyed Hermit Crab Clibanarius Tricolor

£9.99

SKU: STF-MARINE-MISSING-CRITTERS-117 Category:

Description

Blue Eyed Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)

(Also known as Tricolor Hermit Crab, Blue-Legged Hermit Crab, or Caribbean Blue Hermit Crab)

Overview

The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) is a small, colourful marine crustacean highly prized for its bright appearance and excellent cleaning abilities. Recognisable by its electric blue legs, white banding, and distinctive turquoise eyes, this hermit crab is both attractive and functional in reef aquariums. A natural scavenger, it feeds on algae, detritus, and leftover food, helping maintain a clean and balanced ecosystem. Hardy, active, and reef safe, the Blue Eyed Hermit Crab is a perfect addition to most marine cleanup crews.

Origin

Native to the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Western Atlantic Ocean. Typically inhabits shallow coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and tidal zones, where it moves between rocks and coral rubble in search of food and empty shells.

Feeding

An omnivorous scavenger, Clibanarius tricolor constantly grazes on biofilm, algae, and detritus. Supplement its natural diet with 3–4 feedings per week of:

  • Algae wafers or marine pellets

  • Mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood

  • Seaweed sheets (nori)

  • Leftover fish food

Feeding ensures the crab remains healthy and reduces competition or aggression over food and shells.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting. This species does not depend on light and will thrive under typical reef illumination, often foraging during both day and night.

Water Flow

Moderate flow. Provide steady circulation that keeps detritus suspended but allows calm areas where the crab can rest and scavenge comfortably.

Placement & Habitat Setup

  • Provide a mature tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding.

  • Include a variety of empty shells of different sizes and shapes to accommodate growth and reduce shell-related aggression.

  • A sandy or fine-gravel substrate allows for natural movement and burrowing behaviour.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Excellent companion for:

  • Peaceful reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, blennies, etc.)

  • Other small hermit crabs and shrimp (with adequate space and shells)

  • Corals, anemones, and most invertebrates

Use caution with:

  • Large, aggressive crabs or carnivorous fish (triggers, puffers, wrasses) that may prey on them

  • Snails — while generally peaceful, C. tricolor may occasionally evict snails for their shells if replacements are unavailable

Aggression

Peaceful, with mild opportunism. Generally non-aggressive, but shell disputes can occur if spare shells are limited. Always provide plenty of empty shells to reduce competition.

Experience Level

Beginner. The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab is hardy, easy to care for, and highly beneficial for reef maintenance — ideal for new and experienced aquarists alike.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: <10 ppm

  • Tank Size: Minimum 20 litres (5 gallons) for small groups; larger tanks preferred for stability

Lifespan & Size

  • Size: Up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) including shell

  • Lifespan: 2–4 years in captivity with proper diet and stable water quality

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Blue Eyed Hermit Crab is a valuable member of any cleanup crew, consuming nuisance algae, detritus, and leftover food without harming corals or other invertebrates. Its vivid colours, energetic behaviour, and low maintenance make it a top choice for reef aquariums of all sizes.

STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £20.00

 

SATURDAY STANDARD DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –  Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. We will contact you via email within 24 hours of purchase with your confirmed delivery date.: £30.00

 

INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Wednesday,Thursday, Friday. Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £30.00

 

SATURDAY INSURED DELIVERY UK MAINLAND ONLY –Overnight courier service by DX guaranteed next day delivery pre 1pm. Insurance covers Damage, Delay, Loss or temperature issues. Instant replacement shipped the next day upon receipt of supporting photographs.: £40.00

 

ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING ORDER – If you would like to add more items to an existing order for delivery, please select this option. All additions must be made 24 hours before your existing delivery date.: Free

 

AQUARIUM DELIVERY – All Sims Aquariums and Other Branded Aquariums with Cabinets are Free for a curb-side delivery. We will contact you within 24 hours of purchase to arrange a convenient delivery date.: Free

 

PRE FORMED PONDS – All Pre Formed Ponds are Free for a curb-side delivery. We will contact you within 24 hours of purchase to arrange a convenient delivery date.: Free

 

GIFT CARDS – These will be delivered electronically within 24 hours of receipt of payment, please remember that if you have any other items that require shipping, you must select either Standard or Insured delivery.

 

 

 

D.O.A DELIVERY POLICY UPDATED 01/04/2026

Should You Have Any Questions Regarding Our Policies Or Procedures Please Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us. All Emails Will Be Responded To Within 24 Hours.

We Do Not Have UK Retail Stores That Are Open to The Public. Sims Tropical Fish Operates And Manages The Logistics of All Aquatic Species in The UK For Trade And Retail Customers.

We Are Not Able To Provide Images Of The Exact Fish On Any Occasion Due To The Number of Fish Leaving Us Everyday To Our Trade And Retail Customers. Our Team’s Across Our UK Distribution Centre’s Will Always Select A Fish As Close To The Advertised Images As Possible.

All Sizes Described On The Website Are An Approximation As We Are Dealing With Livestock. We Will Always Send Fish Out That Are As Close As Possible To The Sizes Listed.

Our Website Is Not A Reflection Of Current UK Wide Distribution Centre Stock. All Our Livestock Listed On The Website Is Available To Order For Delivery Within 14 Days Of Purchase. 

 

For Our Rarer Species, We Are Effectively Importing The Livestock On Your Behalf As A Pre Order. We Currently Deliver 99% Of Trade Orders On The Selected Delivery Date and 95% Of Retail 

 

Orders On The Selected Delivery Date.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE DOA DELIVERY POLICY BEFORE YOU PURCHASE. AS MAKING A PAYMENT WILL BE AN AGREEMENT TO ACCEPTING THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 

  1. With All Delivery Options You Will Receive A Delivery Date Confirmation Via Email Within 24 Hours Of Purchase.
  1. Please Ensure That You Have Read Your Delivery Information Email Which Will Answer Any Questions You May Have About The Transportation Of Your Livestock.
  1. If You Would Like To Change Your Delivery Date You Can Contact Us And We Can Send Your Order At A More Convenient Day To You.
  1. Please Advise Your Preferred Delivery Date At The Checkout And We Will Always Do Our Best To Deliver On The Date Requested. 

We Do Not Refund Dead On Arrival Fish. We Always Replace Them In The Box With Your Next Order Free Of Charge. Should You Have Any Unlikely Issues With Your Delivery We Will Always Do Our Very Best To Resolve The Problem Immediately.

Please Take The Time To Photograph Or Video Your Delivery And The Bags As They Come Out Of The Box As Your Insurance Policy. 

Fish That Are Delivered Dead On Arrival On The Allocated Delivery Date Will Be Replaced By Us And Then Sent Out In The Box With Your Next Order Free Of Charge, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs. For Successful DOA Claims, Images Of The Livestock In The Delivery Packaging Are To Be Received By Us Via Email Only, On The Day Of Delivery At retail@simstropicalfish.co.uk.

Should You Be Unfortunate Enough To Experience Any Very Unlikely Issues, Please Contact Us Immediately On:

Retail Customer Orders 07801 323641 retail@simstropicalfish.co.uk

 

We Will Always Resolve Any Problems.

Through 2019 To 2025 Our Couriers Have Delivered Over 1 Millions Boxes Of Live Fish To Our Retail and Trade Customers At A Right First Time Rate Of Over 99.9%.


STANDARD DELIVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 

Standard Delivery Is £20 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. Selecting Your Fish For Standard Delivery Is A Choice Against Selecting The Insured Delivery Service And Is A Formal Agreement To Accepting The The Terms And Conditions Stated By This Policy. 

We deliver our standard service to retail customers through our livestock licensed courier DX on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday every week.

Our Service Level Agreement With The Courier Is That The Fish Will Be Collected From Us In The Evening Prior To Your Delivery Date And Delivered The Next Day Before 1pm In The Condition And Temperature That They Were Collected In. 

All Your Tracking Information Will Be Sent To You Directly By The Courier Dx The Evening Before Your Delivery Date When Your Box Is Collected From The Supplier. You Will Also Receive A Text Message From The Courier Around 9am On Your Delivery Day With Your Time Slot. You Must Ensure Someone Is At The Delivery Address On Your Delivery Date To Receive The Livestock.

INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Insured Delivery Is £30 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

Instant Replacement Livestock Can Be Delivered On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Every Week.

STANDARD DELIVERY SATURDAY

Standard Delivery On a Saturday Is £30 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. Please Ensure That When You Are Selecting Your Delivery Date As A Saturday, That You Are Selecting A Saturday Delivery Cost At The Checkout. Selecting Your Fish For Standard Delivery Is A Choice Against Selecting The Insured Delivery Service And Is A Formal Agreement To Accepting The The Terms And Conditions Stated By This Policy. 

We Deliver Our Standard Service To Retail Customers Through Our Livestock Licensed Courier DX On A Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.

Our Service Level Agreement With The Courier Is That The Fish Will Be Collected From Us In The Evening Prior To Your Delivery Date And Delivered The Next Day Before 1pm In The Condition And Temperature That They Were Collected In. 

All Your Tracking Information Will Be Sent To You Directly By The Courier Dx The Evening Before Your Delivery Date When Your Box Is Collected From The Supplier. You Will Also Receive A Text Message From The Courier Around 9am On Your Delivery Day With Your Time Slot. You Must Ensure Someone Is At The Delivery Address On Your Delivery Date To Receive The Livestock.

INSURED STANDARD DELIVERY SATURDAY

Insured Delivery On A Saturday Is £40 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Delivery Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.

Instant Replacement Livestock Can Be Delivered On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday And Saturday Every Week.

Live Auctions

To participate in our Live Auction, all customers are required to create an account and provide accurate delivery information along with valid payment card details before placing any bids. Our auctions operate on an automated bidding and payment system, and by placing a bid you confirm that you have read and accept these Terms and Conditions. If you are successful in winning an auction, the cost of the fish will be automatically charged to your registered payment card. Once ready, you should log into your account, navigate to the auctions section, and complete each winning order. Where multiple auctions are won, you must pay the applicable shipping cost, select your preferred delivery date using the checkout calendar, and for any additional orders select the shipping method “Add to Order.”

As an account is required to take part, any customer who signs up, places bids, and then deletes their account will forfeit their order and any funds already charged.

We also reserve the right to restrict or block access to future auctions where necessary.

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