Staghorn Hermit Information - ReefSome Invertebrate Index

Staghorn Hermit

Manucomplanus varians

Other Names: Antler Hermit, Coral house hermit

Origin: Indo-Pacific Region

Reef Safe: Yes, may attack snails.

Whether or not a invertebrate is "Reef Safe" simply refers to the fish's likelihood of eating corals clams, or invertebrates. If you're not keeping any of those than having a fish that is not reef safe might be perfectly fine for you! For those that do however should watch out, any fish marked as not being reef safe might end up eating all your corals.

Jumper: No.

A fish referred to as a "jumper" is one which might take large leaps out of the surface of your water on occasion. In order to house a fish known for jumping you need to ensure that your tank is completely covered or else your fish might go "carpet surfing" and be out of luck.

Max Size: 4"

Reccomended Tank Size: 10 gallon minimum.

Temperature range: 72-82F

Description:
The staghorn hermit is unique in that it lives in side a live bryzoan colony. The downside to this is that the colony is typically non-photosynthetic and difficult to keep alive. The hermit may also walk into sand based corals resulting in the bryzoans being stung to death. While the hermit crab itself is easy to care for it's bryzoan colony is not.

Diet:
The hermit is a scavenger and will accept any foods it can catch. The Bryzoan colony will only be able to accept microscopic foods such as phytoplankton and will be very hard to keep alive for that reason.

Temperament:
The Staghorn Hermit is not especially aggressive, but as with all hermits it may attack other snails for it's shell.

Special Notes:
Very difficult to keep, recommended expert only.

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Staghorn Hermit

Manucomplanus varians