Crab – Pom Pom

Pom Pom Crab Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 2.5cm (1″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 2 years

Scientific Name: Lybia Tessellata

Other Names: Cheerleader Crabs

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Pom Pom crabs are one of the more popular species or true crabs in the aquarium hobby. Their scientific name is Lybia Tessellata but they are often referred to by their common names, the pom pom crab or the cheerleader crab. This crab comes from the Xanthidae family. Their maximum size is 1” and they can live up to 2 years. Pom Pom crabs are omnivores and will scavenge food from the tank. Their minimum tank size is 5 gallons. Pom pom crabs are peaceful and are both coral and invertebrate safe. Pom Pom crabs can be seen hiding in rocks, under corals, and can often be seen walking around the tank. Pom Pom crabs create a symbiotic relationship with a small species of anemone. They will grab these anemones and use them as a defensive mechanism (using them as electric boxing gloves) to protect themselves from predators. This will not harm any other tank mates, it will only keep the Pom Pom protected. Under unideal conditions a pom pom crab may lose one or both of their anemones, if one is lost it is possible for the one to grow and be split into two over time, but if both are lost they will not be able to get them back. They do not require these anemones in order to survive.