Porcelain anemone crab (Neopetrolisthes maculatus) care guide

Group
Other invertebrates
Other names
Anemone porcelain crab, Spotted porcelain crab, Neopetrolisthes ohshimai, Neopetrolisthes oshimai, Petrolisthes ohshimai, Porcellana maculata
Family
Porcellanidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific reefs, living among the tentacles of large sea anemones
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12, SG 1.023–1.025
Minimum tank
75 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes
Flow
Moderate, to carry food to its feeding fans

Care

The porcelain anemone crab is a small, flat-bodied crab with a smooth, porcelain-like white shell covered in many small red spots, and large flattened claws. It is not a true crab but a close relative of squat lobsters. Despite the big claws it does not hunt: it is a filter feeder, sweeping plankton and fine particles from the water with feather-like fans on its mouthparts. The claws are for defence. Host anemone: in the wild it lives among the stinging tentacles of large sea anemones, usually one pair per anemone, and defends its host from other crabs. In the aquarium it is happiest with a host such as a carpet anemone (Stichodactyla) or a Heteractis anemone, although it will also live in rock crevices without one. Tank set-up: a mature reef tank of 75 litres or more with moderate flow that carries food past it. Keep one or a pair per anemone. Acclimatise slowly. Water: about 22–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12 and specific gravity 1.023–1.025. Behaviour: peaceful and reef safe; it will not harm corals, fish or other invertebrates, but is territorial towards other porcelain crabs on its anemone. It may shed a claw if handled roughly; the claw regrows over a few moults. Feeding warning: filter feeders like this are need regular fine food and can slowly starve over weeks or months, even in good reef tanks. Only buy one if you can feed it suitable fine foods every day, and check it is eating before you buy. Our sources cover its biology but not its aquarium care; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. Copper: copper-based medicines are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates, and some plant fertilisers carry copper too. Never treat a display tank holding this animal with copper; treat fish in a separate hospital tank, and drip-acclimatise new arrivals slowly. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopetrolisthesmaculatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Filter feeder: plankton, algae, small crustaceans and other fine particles caught with its mouthpart fans. Feed fine frozen foods (rotifers, copepods, baby brine shrimp, finely chopped mysis), live or bottled phytoplankton and zooplankton several times a week, and it will also catch drifting particles of fish food.

Breeding

Pairs live together on a host anemone and females carry eggs under the abdomen. The larvae are planktonic, so it is not bred in home aquariums.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and peaceful. Avoid triggers, puffers, hawkfish, large wrasses and predatory crabs and shrimp, which may eat it. It is territorial with other porcelain crabs, so one pair per host anemone.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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