The Boxing Crab is also known as the pom pom crab which is a small crab that is no larger than a quarter. Its petite size makes it a valuable addition to any mini reef tank. The Boxing Crab has a white body with darker area that provides a camouflage effect. It carries a small anemone in both front claws which looks like pom poms that serves as a form of protection. It shakes the front anemones in hopes of stinging the invader into retreat. The Boxing Crab shows a very unique symbiotic relationship, in which the crab can be seen in moonlight swaying the anemones side to side collecting food for itself and the anemone. It is reef safe and may be aggressive towards other inhabitants, and should be kept in tank not less than 20 gallons. This is undoubtedly a very pretty species with a mosaic of colors adorning its carapace. The Boxing Crab undergoes molting and sheds its exoskeleton in order to grow. It mainly feeds on algae pellets or sheets of algae if it is unable to find enough food in the aquarium. The Boxing Crab is named aptly, since it will box the anemones if attacked as they have the ability to sting.
These interesting little crabs are rarely ever available to the hobbyist. The Boxing Crab, a.k.a. Pom Pom Crab, is a small white crab with orange and black markings, which has evolved into carrying small white anemones in either one, or both, of its tiny claws. These tiny anemones are waved at predators to protect the Boxing Crab from being eaten. They will also swipe these anemones across the floor to pick up food. The Boxing Crab may drop the Anemones, especially when molting.Crabs belong to the Class Crustacea and Order Decapoda, which is characterized by two pair of antennae, three body parts, and five pairs of legs. The head of a Crab is connected to the thorax and covered by a shell called carapace. They have a smaller abdomen and tail compared to Shrimp and they keep this tucked beneath the carapace. The first pair of their legs are usually developed claws which they use to gather food, use as protection, and to move objects. In order for Crabs to grow they need to shed their exoskeleton, a process called "molting", which allows them to remove their restricting shell and begin a new one. Often times in the home aquarium Crabs will leave this translucent shell in full view so it can serve as a distraction while the Crab finds a hiding place and allows its new shell to harden.Photo by Saltwaterfish.com member, Lauren DeMartini.
