What happens if my Pom Pom Crab loses its anemones?

If a Pom Pom Crab loses both anemones, it will survive perfectly well, though it may become more reclusive. If it only loses one, it will expertly tear the remaining anemone in half to populate both claws again.

Will a Pom Pom Crab eat my corals?

No, they are highly reef-safe. They are scavengers that consume detritus and small meaty particles, posing absolutely no threat to corals.

Why does my Pom Pom Crab always hide?

Being very small, they are naturally timid and cautious of predators. They typically hide in live rock crevices during the day and are most active at night or during feeding times.

Does the Pom Pom Crab need special lighting for its anemones?

While the anemones they hold can be partially photosynthetic, they primarily rely on the crab feeding them and sweeping them through the water. Standard reef or even moderate marine lighting is entirely sufficient.

How big do Pom Pom Crabs get?

They are a true nano species, with the adult carapace rarely exceeding 2.5 to 3 centimetres in width.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Pom Pom Crab

Lybia tessellata

The Pom Pom Crab is a fascinating, diminutive marine invertebrate famous for holding tiny sea anemones in its claws to ward off predators.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 26 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 2 – 3 cm
Nano tank: 20 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Diet: omnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Ample live rock, crevices, and rubble for hiding

About the Pom Pom Crab

Lybia tessellata, universally known as the Pom Pom or Boxer Crab, is one of the most captivating additions to a marine aquarium. This tiny, beautifully patterned crustacean has evolved a symbiotic relationship with small sea anemones, which it holds in each claw like cheerleader pom-poms. It uses these anemones both defensively, waving them at potential threats, and as tools to mop up microscopic food particles from the substrate.

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Where Pom Pom Crab comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Philippines, Maldives, Fiji, Kenya

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, hiding within coral rubble and live rock crevices.

Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean, often collected from shallow rubble zones.

Similar species

Porcelain Crab
Neopetrolisthes spp.
Emerald Crab
Mithraculus sculptus
Sexy Shrimp
Thor amboinensis

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Clown Goby
Gobiodon spp.
Small, peaceful, and stays primarily perched on corals, presenting no threat to the delicate crab.
Great
Sexy Shrimp
Thor amboinensis
Another peaceful nano invertebrate that shares similar spatial and dietary needs without aggressive competition.
Great
Emerald Crab
Mithraculus sculptus
Much larger and more robust; while generally peaceful, a hungry Emerald Crab may bully or outcompete the smaller Pom Pom Crab.
Compatible with caution
Sixline Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
An active predator of small benthic invertebrates that will actively hunt and kill nano crabs.
Not recommended
Longnose Hawkfish
Oxycirrhites typus
Hawkfish are specialised crustacean predators and will make a quick meal of a Pom Pom Crab.
Not recommended

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