Hermit Crab ID

[Zakary2003]

This is Eugene. I collected him in South Florida back in June on the Atlantic side while on a weekend trip down there. He started off super small (smaller than a blue legged hermit crab) but is growing far faster than any other hermit crab I've ever had. He spends all day cleaning the sand bed but will grab any meaty foods that land around him. I never see him on the rocks eating algae like my other crabs. In case it isn't clear from the pictures, he has bluish eyes, striped antennae, and orange and white bands on his legs with blue knees. Can anyone identify him? I'm worried he might be a giant hermit crab (Petrochirus diogenes).

 

[blaxsun]

Eugene is cool.

 

[Zakary2003]

Can anyone help me identify Eugene?

 

[SFALReefer]

Red hairy? Oh, you might be in trouble, lol. https://gulfspecimen.org/giant-red-hermit/
Juveniles look to have blue on their legs. https://www.reefcleaners.org/aquarium-store/other-inverts/giant-marine-hermit-baby-juvenile-detail

 

[Zakary2003]

Red hairy? Oh, you might be in trouble, lol. https://gulfspecimen.org/giant-red-hermit/
Juveniles look to have blue on their legs. https://www.reefcleaners.org/aquarium-store/other-inverts/giant-marine-hermit-baby-juvenile-detail

That could definitely be a match....

 

[blaxsun]

That could definitely be a match....

Do we see a refugium in Eugene's future...?

 

[ReeferHD]

looks like Eugene could be giant marine hermit Petrochirus diogenes which is native to florida waters, best kept in a FOWLR tank with peaceful fish. (which is what im planning to do when i get one)

 

[BZOFIQ]

Hehe, have one too, been a model citizen since he was small. He is quickly growing and eventually will have to be moved to the fuge in another 6-12 months...or quicker if I notice stuff disappearing.

Started in a small shell, now carries the largest turbo snail shell available in the tank. They are so much fun to watch!