Porcelain Crab (Neopetrolisthes oshimai)

The Porcelain Crab is a peaceful and fascinating invertebrate known for its striking mottled blue and white coloration and delicate, fan-like claws. This crab is a filter feeder, using specialized setae on its claws to capture plankton from the water column, making it a great addition to reef tanks. Porcelain Crabs are gentle and highly adaptable, often found hiding among rockwork or associating with sea anemones for added protection. Its small size, unique appearance, and filter-feeding habits make it a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a peaceful invertebrate to their setup.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 1.5 inches.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; suitable for nano tanks or larger setups with plenty of rockwork for hiding.
• Diet: Filter feeder; primarily feeds on plankton and small particles in the water. It will also accept supplemental feedings of finely ground flake food, phytoplankton, or powdered coral foods to ensure a steady diet.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; the Porcelain Crab is non-aggressive and can coexist well with other peaceful tankmates, including fish and other invertebrates.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it ideal for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates and can peacefully coexist in a reef environment.

Special Feature - Filter Feeding
The Porcelain Crab is a filter feeder, using feather-like appendages to catch plankton and other small particles from the water. This behavior provides natural cleaning for the tank and makes it a unique and interesting species to observe.

Compatibility
The Porcelain Crab is a peaceful and non-aggressive species that coexists well with other tankmates. It’s ideal for reef tanks, where it can hide among rockwork or even associate with anemones. Its gentle nature and filter-feeding habits make it a safe addition to any community tank.

Coloration

• Western Atlantic Region: The Porcelain Crab features a beautiful mottled pattern of blue and white, making it an attractive addition to any marine aquarium. Its coloration allows it to blend well with rockwork and coral, adding to its camouflage​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Western Atlantic, particularly around Caribbean reefs and rocky coastal areas. The Porcelain Crab prefers to hide in crevices, among rockwork, or even with anemones for protection.