Pompom Crab

The Pom-Pom Crab (Lybia tessellata) is a tiny, reef-safe showstopper famous for waving miniature anemones like cheerleader pom-poms. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this nocturnal crustacean tops out around 0.8–1.2 inches, thriving in nano to mid-size reefs (10–20+ gallons) with stable parameters (SG 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, 76–80°F). The anemones (often Bunodeopsis spp.) provide defense and help catch micro-prey, so avoid tankmates that might steal or eat them. Give plenty of rockwork, caves, and tight crevices; keep lids secure (escape artist!). As with all crabs, maintain good iodine levels for healthy molting and never use copper medications in the display.

Peaceful by nature, pom-pom crabs are safe with corals and most inverts but can be preyed on by aggressive wrasses, hawkfish, large crabs, and hungry shrimp. Feed a varied meaty micro-diet—mysis, finely chopped shrimp, roe, cyclops, and high-quality nano pellets—2–4× per week to discourage scavenging. They’ll spend daylight hiding and emerge at night to wave, filter, and forage, making them perfect for reef display tanks where subtle behavior is appreciated. SEO keywords: pom-pom crab care, Lybia tessellata, pom pom crab reef safe, nano reef invert, pom-pom crab diet, pom-pom crab anemones, Indo-Pacific crab, peaceful marine crab, reef invertebrate compatibility, molting care for crabs.