Boxer Crab (Lybia tessellata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lybia tessellata
- Common name
- Boxer Crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Xanthidae
- Genus
- Lybia
- Size
- 1–2 cm
- Depth
- 5–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Lybia tessellata reaches 2 cm. Ultra-miniature Indo-Pacific boxer crab. White-beige carapace with brown tessellations. Signature feature: carries two tiny anemones on its claws like boxing gloves. Mutual symbiosis: anemone defends crab (nematocysts), crab shares food. Sedentary on reef 5-40 m. Solitary. Highly observable macro subject. Not threatened = LC. Preferred subject in aquarium and coastal macro photography.
Photo of Boxer Crab
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Boxer Crab?
- Boxer Crab (Lybia tessellata) reaches 1–2 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Boxer Crab?
- Boxer Crab is found between 5–40 m deep.
- Is the Boxer Crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Boxer Crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Boxer Crab?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Similar species
- Palinurus elephas - European spiny lobster
- Clibanarius erythropus - Red-legged hermit crab
- Homarus gammarus - European lobster
- Pachygrapsus marmoratus - Marbled rock crab
- Mithraculus forceps - Red-ridged clinging crab
- Mithrax spinosissimus - Channel clinging crab
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 208964)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4377870)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia