Lybia tesselata - Boxerkrabbe

Lybia tesselata – Boxer Crab

The Boxer Crab (Lybia tesselata) is a small, striking species of crab found in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, particularly near Fiji, the Palau Islands, and the Philippines. It gets its name from its characteristic posture: it holds two sea anemones in its claws, which look like boxing gloves, and uses them to defend itself from predators. The Boxer Crab lives symbiotically with the sea anemones, staying near them to benefit from their protective stinging tentacles. At the same time, it uses the anemones to protect itself from attackers. This crab is especially interesting for aquariums that focus on symbiotic relationships between animals.

Aquarium care: The Boxer Crab is a relatively small species, reaching a maximum size of about 4 cm. It requires an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and should be kept in a reef aquarium with at least 100 liters of volume. Due to its symbiotic relationship with the sea anemones, it is important that these are also present in the aquarium to provide the crab with a suitable environment (alternatively, it may grab a glass anemone). This species of crab is relatively easy to care for, as long as stable water parameters and a suitable habitat are provided.

Scientific Name

• Lybia tesselata

Common Name

• Boxer Crab

Adult Size

• approx. 4 cm

Aquarium Size

• from 100 liters

Temperature

• 24°C - 28°C

Diet

• Live or frozen food (Artemia, Mysis, Cyclops, Krill)
• Granulated food, flake food

Difficulty Level

• easy

Compatibility

• Individually or in groups