Description
Neopetrolisthes maculatus, commonly known as the Anemone Porcelain Crab, is a beautiful and specialized filter-feeding crab most often found living symbiotically within sea anemones. This species is recognized by its creamy white body marked with bold red or maroon spots and its oversized, fan-like feeding appendages, which it uses to capture suspended plankton from the water column. Graceful and non-aggressive, the Anemone Porcelain Crab adds subtle movement and fascinating natural behavior to reef aquariums, especially when observed hosting within anemones.
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Depth: 1–20 m (3–65 ft)
Lighting: Not demanding; comfortable under standard reef lighting
Flow: Moderate; requires steady water movement to deliver suspended food for filter feeding
Tank Placement: Rockwork and anemone hosts; typically found nestled within Bubble Tip, Carpet, or other hosting anemones
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Filter feeder – feeds on suspended plankton and fine particulate matter; benefits from regular broadcast feeding of phytoplankton, powdered coral foods, or finely blended reef foods
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: Up to 5 cm (2 inches)
Care Level: Easy to intermediate – hardy but dependent on consistent food availability
Compatibility: Reef-safe; safe with corals and most invertebrates; compatible with anemones; should not be housed with aggressive fish, large wrasses, or predatory crabs
