Neopetrolisthes ohshimai

Datasheet

General Description

The Porcelain Anemone Crab, scientifically known as Neopetrolisthes ohshimai, features a white body adorned with red spots and/or blotches of red or brown. Notably, it is recognized for its prominent front claws used for defense against potential threats. These crabs are peaceful in nature and serve as a delightful addition to reef or invertebrate aquariums.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered easy to care for, the Porcelain Anemone Crab has specific demands that need to be met to thrive. They thrive best in pairs under the protective cover of an anemone but can display aggression towards their own kind. Hence, it is recommended not to keep them with larger, aggressive crab species.

Care and Hardiness

Porcelain Anemone Crabs have minimal care requirements, making them suitable for aquarists of varying experience levels. They feed on planktonic food and the mucus secreted by anemones, with occasional supplementation of tablet food near their habitat. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) between 8-12 is essential for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

While the Porcelain Anemone Crab is deemed reef-compatible with caution, their territorial behavior towards clownfish and conspecifics should be considered when integrating them into a reef tank. Careful observation is necessary to ensure harmony among tank inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

To provide a suitable environment for Porcelain Anemone Crabs, aquarists should replicate their natural habitat within the aquarium. Including anemones for shelter and ensuring sufficient space for paired crabs to coexist peacefully are essential aspects of the tank setup. Maintaining appropriate water parameters and offering adequate hiding spots play crucial roles in their overall well-being.

Behaviour

Porcelain Anemone Crabs exhibit peaceful behavior within the confines of their anemone shelter. Despite their small size, they are protective of their territory and may display territorial aggression towards certain tank mates. Observing their interactions with other inhabitants is vital to prevent conflicts.

Feeding and Diet

As carnivorous filter feeders, Porcelain Anemone Crabs primarily consume planktonic organisms and anemone mucus in their natural habitat. In captivity, they can be supplemented with tablet food placed near the anemone to ensure a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Porcelain Anemone Crabs exhibit minimal dimorphism between males and females, making it challenging to differentiate between the sexes visually. While captive reproduction of these crabs is possible under suitable conditions, it requires careful monitoring and specialized care to ensure the survival of offspring.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Porcelain Anemone Crabs are typically found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region, where they seek refuge amidst the tentacles of sea anemones. Their distribution encompasses a variety of marine environments, emphasizing the importance of recreating similar conditions in the aquarium for their optimal health and well-being.