Pom Pom Crab (Lybia Tesselata)

The Pom Pom Crab, also known as the Boxer Crab, is a unique and fascinating marine invertebrate prized for its quirky behavior and symbiotic relationship with small anemones. This small crab carries two tiny Bunodeopsis anemones in its claws, which it uses both for defense and to collect food, waving them around like "pom poms." These anemones are harmless and beneficial to the crab, unlike the pest anemone Aiptasia. Its captivating behavior and peaceful nature make it a delightful addition to reef aquariums.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 1 inch.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; a small nano tank or larger reef aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding spots is ideal.
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on meaty foods like mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, as well as detritus. Supplementing with small pellet or frozen foods helps ensure its nutritional needs are met.
• Water Temp: 74-80°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; generally gets along well with other invertebrates and small fish.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it a great choice for reef tanks.

Special Feature - Symbiotic Anemones
The Pom Pom Crab carries small Bunodeopsis anemones in its claws, which it uses for defense and to capture food. If the crab loses one of its anemones, it can often "split" the remaining one to form a new pair. These anemones are harmless and beneficial to the crab, unlike the pest anemone Aiptasia.

Compatibility
The Pom Pom Crab is peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tankmates, including other invertebrates and small, non-aggressive fish. Its small size and gentle nature make it ideal for nano tanks and peaceful reef environments.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Pom Pom Crab is typically cream-colored with black or dark brown spots on its body, providing excellent camouflage against the rock and sand. The tiny anemones it carries are usually white or pink, adding to its unique appearance​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Pom Pom Crab is often found in shallow coral reefs and rocky crevices. It hides among rocks and corals during the day and is more active at night, searching for food and waving its "pom poms" to collect food particles.