Harlequin Porcelain Crab
(Neopetrolisthes ohshimai)

Descrição

The research provides a good amount of consistent information for the Harlequin Porcelain Crab (*Neopetrolisthes ohshimai*).

Here’s a summary of the key details:
* **Appearance:** Creamy white with reddish-brown spots/blotches, large flattened front claws used for protection and filter feeding (feather-like maxillipeds). Not a “true crab” but related to squat lobsters.
* **Behavior:** Peaceful, filter feeder, symbiotic relationship with anemones (often lives in pairs), may defend anemone territory from clownfish but usually yields. Aggressive towards conspecifics and other similarly sized crabs. Uses three pairs of legs to move.
* **Care Level:** Easy/Beginner.
* **Temperament:** Peaceful.
* **Compatibility:** Reef-safe with caution (due to potential impact on coral by attaching to it, though generally won’t harm corals). Good with peaceful tank mates, small shrimp, snails, non-aggressive fish. Avoid other crabs.
* **Tank Size:** Minimum 10 gallons (38 L) to accommodate an anemone, some say 5 gallons for a pair but 10 is better for stability.
* **Water Parameters:**
* **pH:** 8.1-8.4
* **Temperature:** 22-29°C (72-82°F), with optimal often cited as 75-78°F (~24-26°C). I’ll use 24-28°C for a slightly broader safe range.
* **Salinity/SG:** 1.020-1.026, often 1.023-1.025.
* **Diet:** Carnivore/Omnivore filter feeder. Eats planktonic food, mucus from host anemone. Supplement with finely ground flake food, phytoplankton, powdered coral foods, mysis, brine shrimp, bloodworms, zooplankton. Scavenges excess meaty foods.
* **Maximum Size:** Varies slightly, mostly 1″ (2.5 cm) to 1.5″ (3.8 cm) carapace, but some sources mention up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) including legs. I’ll go with 2.5-3.8 cm for carapace/body size to avoid confusion with leg span.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific, specifically mentioned: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives to Australia.
* **Lifespan:** Up to 5 years.
* **Swimming Zone:** Primarily bottom/anemone dweller, but filter feeds in water column. I’ll describe it as associating with anemones/rockwork. It does “fly like swimming” rather than walking/climbing for movement.

Let’s refine the numbers to be consistent and select the most common/sensible ranges.
* **Max Size:** 3.8 cm (1.5 inches is a common upper limit for carapace). LiveAquaria mentions 3 inches which seems to be total size, not just carapace. I will use 3.8 cm.
* **pH Range:** 8.1-8.4.
* **Temperature:** 24-28°C (75-82°F) as a good range.
* **Lifespan:** Up to 5 years.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (associated with host/rockwork).

Final check on keywords and structure.
Primary: “buy Harlequin Porcelain Crab online”
Secondary: “Harlequin Porcelain Crab care”, “healthy aquarium invertebrates”

Word counts:
– Headline: 5-10 words
– Teaser: 20-35 words
– Overview: 60-70 words
– Care Level: 30-35 words
– Tank Essentials: 30-35 words
– Diet: 20-25 words
– Why Buy From Us: 30-35 words
– Call-to-action: <=15 words

Looks good.

Harlequin Porcelain Crab: A Fascinating Filter Feeder!

Add a captivating and peaceful invertebrate to your marine setup with the unique Harlequin Porcelain Crab. Watch its delicate filter-feeding dance in your reef aquarium.

Overview

The Harlequin Porcelain Crab (*Neopetrolisthes ohshimai*) is a visually striking invertebrate, boasting a creamy white body adorned with distinctive reddish-brown spots. Not a true crab but related to squat lobsters, it features oversized, flattened claws primarily used for defense. Its most captivating trait is its feather-like maxillipeds, expertly used to filter planktonic food from the water column, providing constant visual interest in your aquarium.

Care Level

Considered easy to care for, the Harlequin Porcelain Crab is a peaceful addition to established marine aquariums. It thrives in reef environments, often forming a symbiotic relationship with a host anemone for protection and food. While generally docile, avoid housing with aggressive crabs or conspecifics.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 38 litres (10 gallons) is recommended, especially if you plan to provide a host anemone. Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for their well-being. Ensure your aquarium has plenty of live rockwork to provide hiding spots and secure attachment points.

Diet

As an active filter feeder, this crab primarily consumes planktonic food and anemone mucus. Supplement its diet with finely ground flake food, phytoplankton, powdered coral foods, mysis shrimp, or zooplankton directly in the water column.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Harlequin Porcelain Crab online from us, you receive healthy aquarium invertebrates that are responsibly sourced. We prioritise ethical practices and humane shipping, ensuring your new companion arrives in prime condition, ready to flourish in your carefully prepared home aquarium.

• Scientific Name: Neopetrolisthes ohshimai
• Common Name / Variant: Harlequin Porcelain Crab
• Maximum Size: 3.8 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives to Australia)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: Up to 5 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Bring the grace of the Harlequin Porcelain Crab to your reef today!