Pom-pom crab (boxer crab)
Lybia tessellata
InvertebratesSaltwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safe
- Yes
- Recommended tank
- 30 L
- Maximum size
- 2.5 cm
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- pH
- 8–8.4
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The pom-pom crab is a tiny crab that holds a minute anemone in each claw and thrusts them forward like boxing gloves when threatened. It is one of the most photographed animals in the nano reef hobby, although in practice you mostly see it at night.
It is completely reef safe and peaceful, eats leftovers and small frozen food and asks nothing of the tank beyond calm and hiding places. Do not keep it with large wrasses, hawkfish or triggers, which see it as a snack. If it loses an anemone, it tears the other in two and the halves grow back.
Good to know
Related species
Keep Pom-pom crab (boxer crab) in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.