How long can a dwarf brackish water hermit crab live?

[Corucia]

Well, the answer is at least 15 years! My little fellow is still going strong since 2010 and gobbling up algae like it’s going out of style. Mind you, his other five tank mates passed away between years 2 and 10 but this hardy fellow continues to defy aging. Curious if others have any experience with this species exhibiting such longevity. I’m beginning to think their theoretical life span comes close to mirroring that of an Opae’s.

[drsk]

Fascinating! I was hesitant to explore adding hermit crabs to my opae tank as I heard their lifespan was only a few years. I had a number of questions if you don’t mind answering:

1. What is the exact species of dwarf hermit crab?
2. Where did you source your hermit crabs from?
3. What is the size of your tank?
4. What salinity (specific gravity) is your tank at?
5. What do you feed your hermit and how often?
6. Are there any other tankmates or macroalgae you keep with the hermit other than opae ula?
7. Do you have any filtration or do any water changes for this tank ever?

Any other tips and tricks you have would be greatly appreciated! I currently have a 3.2 gallon tank with just volcanic rock, opae ula, horned nerites, and brackish supermoss (from petshrimp) at 1.012 sg. I’m interested in adding maybe 1 or 2 of the same long-lived dwarf hermit crab species as you, with some shells for them to choose from.