Banded Porcelain Crab

The banded porcelain crab is recognized by the thin, wavy crosswise bands running across its flat body and broad, flat claws; its colors vary between brown, cream and orange. The body grows to about 2.5 cm. It belongs to a group more closely related to hermit crabs than to true crabs; it filters plankton from the water by rhythmically opening and closing the feathery fans on its mouthparts. In the wild it mostly lives in pairs under stones and in rock crevices. When stressed or handled it may break off and drop one of its claws; the claw regenerates over the following molts. Specimens in the trade are wild-collected.

• At least 40 liters; stones, crevices and caves it can get under.
• Salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 23–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it does not harm corals or other animals.
• It should be acclimated by the drip method for at least 1 hour; copper-based medications are lethal.

A filter feeder; it feeds on suspended plankton and fine particles and also picks up small pieces of meat that fall to the bottom. Phytoplankton, copepods or fine plankton food should be given several times a week, with occasional small pieces of mysis.

Very shy; it is rarely seen during the day and opens its fans at the entrance of its cave when the lights dim. It chases away unfamiliar individuals of its own species.

Good companions: gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, clownfish; cleaner shrimp, snails.

Avoid: hawkfish, wrasses, triggerfish; large crustaceans such as boxer shrimp and emerald crab.