Apparently vicious hermit crab.

I bought several things from John at reefcleaners.org, including a "Thin Stripped Hermit" that would eat my hair algae. The problem is that when I put him in the tank, my other hermits, so far 2 that look the same kind seem to chase him, and attack him viciously. I had to remove the Thin stripped hermit and put him in a cup inside the tank for his own safety.

Thin stripped Hermit (attacked one):


Here is a shot of the attacker:


And another shot:


This last particular guy, is wearing the shell of the snail he murdered and ate. It's important for you to know, that he did this even after I added a handful of new shells, that some of the other ones even moved into. I'm going to stop by the store today as well and get more shells. Any other thoughts are very welcome, since I'll have to try different things to get everybody to coexist.

Thanks for any help IDing this one and any advice on how to keep them happy.

- Magnus.

 

I feel your pain, I had a batch of killer hermits as well. I even put a bag full of empty shells in there for them but they still went after the snails. It got to the point where I just pulled them all out and am just sticking with snails from now on. Hope you get things sorted out.

 

I seem to be having somewhat the same experience. I just put in three red legged hermits and I have now seen less of the smaller blue legged ones. Does size matter?!

 

Well, I'll need to check on him. John Maloney told me the thing stripped hermit can take on any of the other hermits. So, I left them fight it out for a bit, then the killer hermit got tired but he never let go of the new guy, so I separated them once more. Now the new guy is at the top of all the rock, and the other one is still looking for shells. Mind you, I just added another fist full of shells, medium, big and en between!

Do you want a males' or a females' opinion on that last question?
I have some red legged hermits too, and they don't seem to bother any of the other ones. Just added some stuff I ordered from reefcleaners.org and I'm now with the always watchful eye until I feel comfy with everyone in there coexisting in harmony.

 

Some types of hermits are more aggressive than others. That's why I only have scarlets; they are supposed to be the least aggressive. 6 months later I have all my originals. They never fight and have never killed a snail. I have about 15 extra shells in the tank.

 

Crabs are crabs. Thats why they are called crabs. If you want them you just have to keep buying them as needed.

Nice pics.

 

Apparently temporary balance has been achieved. The thin stripped hermit hangs at the top of the LR, while the killer hermit hangs on the substrate. They will eventually find each other again.. and I will definitely hear them fight.

- Magnus.

 

Check here: Les Bernard l'hermite

Looks like a Calcinus Laevimanus - the lefty. But you will be able to identify him best. Once you ID the little bugger google him and see what you come up with. I try to stick with Blue leg hermits for the most part - Mexican turbo's will eat HA and are reef safe.

 

+K for helping me ID it, Crimson Gohst! That's a nice page with quite a few species. It is a Calcinus Laevimanus or left handed hermit