Common Hermit Crab Clibanarius Sp

Common Hermit Crab Clibanarius Sp

£9.99

SKU: STF-MARINE-MISSING-CRITTERS-118 Category:

Description

Common Hermit Crab (Clibanarius sp.)

(Also known as Reef Hermit Crab, Marine Hermit Crab, or Sand Hermit Crab)

Overview

The Common Hermit Crab (Clibanarius sp.) is a hardy and versatile marine crustacean, widely recognised for its essential role in reef aquarium cleanup crews. Often displaying a mix of brown, red, orange, or blue leg colouration, these hermits vary slightly depending on their species but share the same industrious, scavenging behaviour. Constantly on the move, they help control algae, detritus, and uneaten food, keeping the substrate and rockwork clean. Adaptable and easy to care for, the Common Hermit Crab is a perfect beginner invertebrate for both reef and fish-only systems.

Origin

Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, Caribbean, and Western Atlantic, Clibanarius species inhabit shallow coral reefs, tidal flats, and rocky shorelines, where they seek food and protection among live rock and coral rubble.

Feeding

An omnivorous scavenger, the Common Hermit Crab naturally grazes on biofilm, algae, and organic waste. Supplementary feeding ensures good health and reduces shell-related aggression. Offer 3–4 feedings per week of:

  • Algae wafers or sinking marine pellets

  • Finely chopped seafood (mysis, shrimp, clam)

  • Seaweed sheets (nori)

  • Leftover fish food or detritus

These crabs are opportunistic feeders and will consume almost any organic material available.

Lighting

Low to moderate lighting. The crab does not depend on light for feeding or activity but will forage more actively under subdued or ambient illumination.

Water Flow

Moderate flow. Ensure a steady current that prevents debris buildup while providing calm areas for rest and feeding.

Placement & Habitat Setup

  • Provide plenty of live rock and natural hiding places for foraging and shelter.

  • Supply a variety of empty shells slightly larger than each crab’s current size to prevent shell fights.

  • Use fine sand or small-grain substrate to allow natural movement and burrowing.

  • Avoid sharp rockwork that can damage legs or shells.

Tank Mates

Reef safe. Compatible with:

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

  • Shrimp, snails, and other small invertebrates (monitor interactions)

  • Corals and anemones — generally safe and non-destructive

Avoid:

  • Aggressive or predatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses)

  • Large crabs or aggressive hermit species

  • Snail-only tanks without spare shells (they may target snails for housing)

Aggression

Peaceful to mildly opportunistic. Generally non-aggressive, but may fight over shells or food. Keeping multiple empty shells of various sizes and shapes significantly reduces aggression.

Experience Level

Beginner. Clibanarius species are extremely hardy, adaptable, and beneficial for maintaining tank cleanliness, making them ideal for both new and experienced marine aquarists.

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) per small group; larger tanks preferred for stability

Lifespan & Size

  • Size: Up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) depending on species

  • Lifespan: 2–4 years in captivity with proper care

Reef Compatibility

Fully reef safe. The Common Hermit Crab is an invaluable member of any cleanup crew, consuming nuisance algae, film, and detritus while aerating the substrate. With its active nature, hardiness, and minimal care requirements, it’s an excellent choice for reef keepers seeking both function and natural movement within their aquarium.

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.
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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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