Porcelain Crab
(Neopetrolisthes maculatus)

Description

The research provides ample information for the product description.

Here’s a summary of the findings:
* **Scientific Name:** *Neopetrolisthes maculatus* (Synonyms: *Neopetrolisthes ohshimai*, *Petrolisthes ohshimai*, *Porcellana maculata*)
* **Common Name:** Porcelain Crab, Porcelain Anemone Crab, Spotted Porcelain Crab, Anemone Crab
* **Appearance:** Flat, round body with oversized, flattened pincers (for territorial disputes, not food). Off-white body with leopard spots (red/purple). Uses three out of four pairs of legs to move. Has feather-like mouthparts (maxillipeds) for filter feeding. Can shed limbs as a defense mechanism, which regrow. Resembles squat lobster.
* **Size:** Body width typically less than 15 mm (0.59 inches). Some species, including legs, can reach up to 3 inches (approx. 7.5 cm). Carapace is typically less than 2.5 cm (1 inch). Max size up to 5 cm (including legs/carapace not specified, but 2.5cm is carapace, 3 inches is total leg span). I’ll use 5-7.5 cm (including legs) or 2.5 cm (carapace) for the maximum size. Given the general wording for “Maximum Size”, I will use the maximum total size for clarity to the customer. So, ~7.5 cm.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific region, from Eastern Africa to Australia, including Western Australia, Japan. Found in shallow, coastal reefs, often associated with sea anemones (e.g., *Stichodactyla* spp., *Heteractis*, *Entacmaea*, *Cryptodendrum adhaesivum*, *Gyrostoma*, *Telmatactis cricoides*, *Macrodactyla doreensis*, *Phymanthus sp.*, *Actinodendron plumosum*, *Anemonia sulcate*, *Zoanthus sp.*, *Lebrunia danae*, *Entacmaea Quadricolor*). Also found under rocks, sponges, feather stars.
* **Care Level:** Easy to Moderate. Generally considered Easy for reef tanks.
* **Temperament:** Peaceful, reef-safe. Won’t bother tankmates. Can be territorial towards other crabs over anemone hosts.
* **Compatibility:** Reef-safe. Can be kept in pairs. Avoid large, boisterous, or predatory fish (e.g., clownfish initially, but can co-exist). Often found in symbiotic relationship with anemones, providing protection and cleaning the anemone, but an anemone is not strictly required in a home tank if ample hiding spots are provided.
* **Tank Size:** Minimum 10 gallons (~38 liters). Some suggest 5 gallons (~20 liters), others 100 liters. I will go with 40L (approx 10 gallons) as a reasonable minimum for stability.
* **Water Parameters:**
* **pH:** 8.1-8.4 (some sources say 7.7-8.2 – I’ll stick to the higher consensus 8.1-8.4)
* **Temperature:** 24-27°C (75-80°F). Some 75-82°F or 77-78°F. SeaLifeBase gives 24.2-29.3°C, mean 28.4°C. I will use 24-28°C as a range, covering most common recommendations.
* **Salinity/SG:** 1.020-1.025, 1.021-1.026, 1.024-1.026. A range of 1.023-1.026 is a good, safe compromise. (Not asked for in output, but good to know).
* **dKH:** 7-12 dKH (Not asked for, but part of water quality).
* **Diet:** Omnivore, primarily filter feeders. Use fan-like appendages to capture plankton, diatoms, zooplankton, marine snow. Also scavenge detritus, algae, and mucus from anemones. Will eat thawed frozen foods (mysis, brine shrimp, rotifers, bloodworms), crushed fish flakes, spirulina, meaty foods, pellets.
* **Lifespan:** 3-5 years in captivity with proper care. Some reports of 2-3 years, but 5 years is achievable.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom dweller, prefers rocky areas, crevices, under rocks, or in anemones.

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Porcelain Crab: The Mesmerising Reef Filter-Feeder

Add a captivating and peaceful presence to your marine aquarium with the unique Porcelain Crab. Watch its fascinating filter-feeding behaviour as it sifts the water for nutrients.

Overview

The Porcelain Crab, *Neopetrolisthes maculatus*, is a truly captivating invertebrate known for its flattened, round body and distinctive spotted pattern, often off-white with red or purple markings. Despite their relatively large, flat claws used for territorial disputes, these crabs are gentle filter feeders. They gracefully extend feathery mouthparts to sift plankton from the water column, a mesmerising display in your aquarium. They are often found in symbiotic relationships with anemones, offering protection and a unique visual dynamic.

Care Level

Considered easy to care for, Porcelain Crabs are peaceful and reef-safe, making them excellent additions to a community marine tank. They will not harm corals or other invertebrates. While they can co-exist with host anemones for protection, they do not strictly require one in an aquarium with ample hiding spots.

Tank Essentials

A minimum aquarium size of 40 litres is recommended to provide a stable environment for these fascinating creatures. They thrive in established reef tanks with plenty of live rock offering crevices for hiding. Maintain water parameters with a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and a temperature of 24-28°C for optimal health.

Diet

Primarily filter feeders, Porcelain Crabs constantly sift plankton from the water. Supplement their diet with finely crushed flakes, zooplankton, phytoplankton, marine snow, or small meaty foods like mysis and brine shrimp.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Porcelain Crab online from Corais de Vidro, you’re choosing healthy aquarium invertebrates sourced responsibly. We ensure all our livestock is quarantined and shipped humanely, providing strong, vibrant specimens ready to thrive in your marine ecosystem. Trust us for quality Porcelain Crab care and exceptional service.

• Scientific Name: Neopetrolisthes maculatus
• Common Name / Variant: Porcelain Crab
• Maximum Size: 7.5 cm (including legs)
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this unique filter-feeding crab to your reef aquarium today!