Crab Porcelain

Description

Crab Porcelain

are small, peaceful crustaceans in the family Porcellanidae that make fantastic additions to marine reef aquariums. Despite their name and appearance, they are not true crabs; they are actually more closely related to squat lobsters and hermit crabs. They get their “porcelain” name from their incredibly fragile nature, as they will readily drop a claw or limb to escape a threat—though these appendages do safely grow back over subsequent molts. They are strictly peaceful filter feeders. They use specialized, fan-like mouthparts called maxillipeds to comb the water column for plankton, detritus, and micro-foods. While they will graze on live rock, they thrive when supplemented with fine powdered foods like small frozen bits. Their large claws are primarily used for territorial display or minor scuffles with other crabs, never for hunting fish. They are 100% reef-safe and pose absolutely no danger to corals or small fish.