🦀 Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes maculatus)
A White Body Covered in Orange-to-Brown Spots • Not a True Crab, More Closely Related to Squat Lobsters • A Real Commensal Anemone Partnership
 
📋 A note on naming: this species is sometimes sold under two different scientific names, Neopetrolisthes maculatus and Neopetrolisthes ohshimai, given differences in spot pattern between Indian and Pacific Ocean populations. Spot pattern alone isn't sufficient to separate these into two distinct species, so both names are now generally treated as referring to the same animal.
The Porcelain Anemone Crab has a charming white body covered in an irregular pattern of orange-to-brown spots, with prominent, feathery fan-like appendages used for filter feeding, and large front claws used purely for defence.
It comes from a wide range across the Indo-Pacific, commonly found living commensally with sea anemones on rocky and coral reefs. Every Porcelain Anemone Crab we ship is feeding well.
A fascinating fact: despite its common name and crab-like appearance, this species isn't actually a true crab at all, it's more closely related to squat lobsters, a real example of a process called carcinisation, where an unrelated crustacean evolves a crab-like body form. This species forms a real commensal relationship with its anemone host, offering cleaning services and mucus consumption in exchange for protection, though it can adapt to life without an anemone if alternative hiding spots are provided. It's primarily a filter feeder, waving its feathery appendages to capture plankton from the water column, though it will also scavenge meaty foods when available. This species is always wild-caught, as successful captive breeding hasn't yet been achieved. It's reef safe with caution, and not compatible with other porcelain crabs. It reaches up to 7.5cm including legs, so a 55L tank suits it well.
 
💡 Highlights
🎨 White Body With Orange-Brown Spots: A charming, popular anemone companion
🦞 Not a True Crab: More closely related to squat lobsters
🐚 A Real Anemone Partnership: A a commensal relationship, though not strictly required
🌊 A True Filter Feeder: Captures plankton with feathery appendages
⚠️ Reef Safe With Caution: Not compatible with other porcelain crabs