Porcelain Anemone Crab

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingRoutine tank care

  Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceGreat first pet

  Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• Commitment2–4 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Molting issues · Nutritional deficiency · Parasites

The Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes maculatus) is an Indo-Pacific species with a body about 2.5 to 3 cm wide, cream to white with red-brown spots and a smooth, almost polished shell. Despite the name it is not a true crab. It is a filter feeder: it extends a pair of fine feathery mouthparts into the water flow and sweeps out plankton and suspended particles, folding them back to its mouth. House it in an established reef of 75 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with moderate flow and, ideally, a host anemone such as a carpet or bubble-tip, though it will also settle under rock ledges. No copper medications. Because it filters rather than scavenges, target feed it with rotifers, baby brine and fine powdered plankton foods two or three times a week; a tank with very low particulate matter will starve it. It is peaceful and reef safe, coexists with clownfish in the same anemone, and can be kept in pairs.

• How active is a Porcelain Anemone Crab?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Porcelain Anemone Crab need?

  Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• What tank size does a Porcelain Anemone Crab need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Porcelain Anemone Crab a good fit for first-time owners?

  Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• How long do Porcelain Anemone Crab live?

  2–4 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Porcelain Anemone Crab?

  Keep an eye out for Molting issues, Nutritional deficiency, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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