{"product_id":"anemone-crab-neopetrolisthes-sp","title":"Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes sp.)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Anemone Crab, also widely known as the Porcelain Anemone Crab, is one of the most charming and beginner-friendly invertebrates available for the reef aquarium. Its patterned white carapace is covered in vivid reddish-brown or orange spots, and it carries disproportionately large front claws that it uses to fend off potential threats, giving it a look that is simultaneously delicate and bold. Despite the imposing claws, this is a thoroughly peaceful filter feeder that spends the vast majority of its life tucked inside a host anemone, waving feathery fan-like mouthparts through the water column to catch passing food. The taxonomy of \u003cem\u003eNeopetrolisthes\u003c\/em\u003e can be confusing, with both \u003cem\u003eN. maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eN. ohshimai\u003c\/em\u003e commonly sold under the same common name; differing spot patterns alone are not sufficient to reliably distinguish them, and care requirements are identical across the genus. What is not confusing is what makes these animals special: they are one of the reef hobby's most captivating symbiotic partnerships, rivalling the clownfish and anemone relationship in sheer visual and behavioural appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy we love them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStunning spotted porcelain white colouration with oversized claws and a genuinely unique silhouette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive filter feeders that use fan-like bristled appendages to sweep plankton and particulate food from the water column, a fascinating and endlessly watchable feeding behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful and fully reef safe, posing no threat to corals, fish, or ornamental invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaturally found in pairs sharing a single host anemone, making them one of the few invertebrates that can be kept and displayed as a bonded couple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContribute to anemone health by keeping the host clean of detritus and debris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuggested parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalinity: 1.025 to 1.026 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 8.1 to 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium: 400 to 450 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium: 1250 to 1400 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: 5 to 20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhosphate: 0.03 to 0.12 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCopper-based medications are toxic to all crustaceans and must never be used\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Peaceful toward all fish and invertebrates; may attempt to defend its anemone territory from clownfish, though the clownfish generally prevails; aggressive toward conspecifics of the same sex if competing for the same host\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef safe: Yes, completely safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum tank size: 10 gallons for a pair with a suitable host anemone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA host anemone is not simply preferred but genuinely essential for the long-term wellbeing of this species; without one these crabs experience chronic stress and have significantly shorter lifespans even in otherwise well-maintained systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable host anemones include \u003cem\u003eStichodactyla\u003c\/em\u003e carpet anemones, \u003cem\u003eEntacmaea quadricolor\u003c\/em\u003e (bubble tip), and \u003cem\u003eHeteractis magnifica\u003c\/em\u003e; always ensure the host anemone is established and healthy before adding the crab\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNeopetrolisthes\u003c\/em\u003e species are active filter feeders, using plume-like bristled appendages to extract suspended particles, plankton, and organic matter from the water column; they also consume mucus produced by their host anemone and scavenge detritus from nearby surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn a well-established, plankton-rich system supplemental feeding may be minimal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLiquid or fine powdered planktonic foods broadcast into the water column are ideal and will trigger active fan feeding behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhytoplankton and zooplankton-based liquid foods such as Coral Frenzy, Reef Roids, or similar fine reef foods are excellent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTablet or sinking foods placed directly next to the host anemone are also accepted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed small amounts multiple times per week; strong flow in the tank helps distribute food particles for filter feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent with clownfish, peaceful reef fish, corals, shrimp, and most ornamental invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWill share a host anemone with clownfish, though minor territorial skirmishes are common; the clownfish typically establishes dominance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be kept as a mated pair in the same host anemone; two individuals of the same sex may fight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid aggressive crabs, triggerfish, pufferfish, and large predatory wrasses that may target small crustaceans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not house with larger, aggressive crab species that may attack or outcompete them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth and acclimation notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNeopetrolisthes\u003c\/em\u003e species are sensitive to sudden changes in water quality; maintaining consistent, stable conditions is the foundation of long-term success with this animal. Drip acclimation is strongly recommended. These crabs are capable of autotomy, voluntarily dropping a claw or leg when threatened as an escape strategy; lost appendages typically regenerate at the next moult, which is normal and not a cause for concern. Copper-based medications must never be used in any system housing this or any other crustacean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will receive: 1 Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes sp.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpot pattern, density, and colouration can vary between individuals and collection regions; all \u003cem\u003eNeopetrolisthes\u003c\/em\u003e species sold under this name share identical care requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA suitable, established host anemone must be present in the system before introduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrip acclimation is strongly recommended. A host anemone is required for the long-term health of this animal. Copper-based medications must never be used in any system housing this crab.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53575471399185,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/NEOPETROLISTHESSPANEMONECRAB.png?v=1779234511","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/anemone-crab-neopetrolisthes-sp","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}