Pom Pom Crab - Lybia edmondsoni

Pom Pom Crab (Lybia edmondsoni)

The Pom Pom Crab is a tiny and fascinating marine invertebrate best known for carrying a small anemone in each claw, which it waves defensively and uses while feeding. Peaceful, unusual and full of character, it spends much of its time moving discreetly through rockwork and crevices. Its small size and unusual behaviour make it an excellent addition to mature reef aquariums with gentle tankmates and plenty of secure hiding places.

Common Name:
Pom Pom Crab, Boxer Crab

Scientific Name (Latin):
Lybia edmondsoni

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2–3 cm across the body

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Pom Pom Crab is associated with tropical reef environments where it lives among rockwork, rubble and coral structure.

It typically remains close to sheltered areas and crevices where it can forage safely and retreat when disturbed.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Pom Pom Crab is generally peaceful towards fish and most established reef inhabitants.

Due to its small size, it is far more likely to be preyed upon than to cause problems with larger tankmates.

Diet:
Omnivore / Scavenger

The Pom Pom Crab feeds on fine meaty foods, detritus and small organic particles found around the aquarium.

Offer a varied diet including finely chopped mysis, prawn and other small marine foods.

Its carried anemones may also assist in capturing tiny food particles from the water.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 40 litres

Aquarium maturity, stable water conditions and suitable shelter are more important than overall tank volume.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Pom Pom Crab is a secretive but fascinating invertebrate that spends much of its time moving through rockwork and sheltered areas.

Its most distinctive behaviour is carrying a small anemone in each claw, which gives the appearance of holding miniature pom poms.

These anemones may be used defensively and while feeding.

The crab is often more visible during quieter periods and around feeding time.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Pom Pom Crab is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its tiny size and peaceful behaviour make it well suited to mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of caves, crevices and sheltered rockwork.

Avoid copper-based medications, as copper is highly toxic to marine crustaceans.

Careful acclimation is recommended because small crabs can be sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and water chemistry.

Avoid housing with large predatory wrasses, hawkfish, triggerfish or other species likely to prey on small ornamental crabs.

Do not be concerned if the crab occasionally remains hidden for extended periods, particularly after moulting.

Its carried anemones may occasionally be lost or replaced naturally, and individual crabs can vary in appearance depending on the anemones they possess.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.