Invertebrates - My Little Reef

Introduction

These are the invertebrates that are classified as the Reef Maintenance crew (crabs, shrimp and snails). Anemones and Corals are listed separately. Also, there are many invertebrates that have come in as stowaways on my Live Rock. See those Hitchhikers Here.

Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)

These guys are a staple in reef aquariums, providing excellent cleaning of nuisance algae, including hair algae, and food remains. Typical stocking level is about 1 hermit per 2 gallons.

Mainly busy at night these guys are a must for keeping your tank free of diatoms and hidden food bits that could contribute to ammonia spikes.

Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)

I have a couple of these which were sold to me as Red-tipped or Scarlet Hermits but, by the coloration, they are obviously not either of these. The closest match seem to be Blue Leg Hermits. Either way, they do their job quite nicely.

Hawaiian Zebra Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)

I bought several of these, as they were quite inexpensive. However, they have turned out to be quite vicious as well. First off, the largest ones killed off two of the medium sized Zebras. Next, Black Turbo Snails seem to be some sort of delicacy for them; as soon as one hit the sand, one of the zebras charged in like he was on a mission. Within a minute he had a nice meal and a new, clean shell for a home.

Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)

An absolute "Must-have" for any reef tank with fish. Not only do they provide the service of a detrivore, but they also feed on ectoparasites and dead scales/skin of fish. This is a valuable service that the fish readily accept to prevent infection. As opposed to most shrimp, the Cleaner Shrimp takes a prominent position in the tank where fish can readily visit him for cleaning services. Most other shrimp tend to hide until feeding time.

For those fishkeepers with a Regal Tang (aka Hippo or Blue Tang), this shrimp is a must! These tangs are very susceptible to marine Ick. Even a moderately infected fish will be quickly "cured" by adding one of these shrimp.

Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni)

Here's another great shrimp for the reef aquarium. Relatively hardy and easy to feed. A bit secretive but also has a fondness for Aiptasia. With the addition of about one shrimp for every 20-30 gallons, your tank should be Aiptasia free after just a few weeks. Any, until any more show up in your tank, the shrimp is a good detrivore as well.