Thin Striped Hermit Crab

Thinstripe Hermit Crab – Clibanarius vittatus

The Thinstripe Hermit Crab is a slender, active scavenger with a dark green to brown body accented by faint white streaks and distinct striped legs. Its small, bristled claws are uniform in size and tipped with tiny blue tubercles, while its soft abdomen is safely tucked inside a borrowed gastropod shell. This crab actively forages throughout the aquarium, cleaning up detritus and uneaten food, but it may occasionally investigate or prey on smaller snails.  It can also upend corals and rocks not adequately secured.

Best suited for marine aquariums of at least 20 gallons, Thinstripe Hermit Crabs thrive in systems with ample sand, rockwork, and hiding places, along with a variety of empty shells for shelter. Additional shells may need to be added to their tank as they grow. They can carry small anemones, like Calliactis tricolor, on their shells, providing a natural deterrent to predators. Considered reef-safe with caution, they may pose a risk to small or slow-moving snails in your aquarium.

In addition to scavenging, their diet can be supplemented with prepared foods such as Hikari, New Life Spectrum, or finely chopped meaty options from LRS. Offering these foods ensures the crab remains healthy and active, especially when natural detritus is limited.

Approximate Product Size: 1/2 to 1-1/4 inch.