Pom Pom Crab

General information

The Pom Pom Crab is so named because it carries around a sea anemone in its claws, making it look like pom poms. It can grow up to 0.5 in (13 mm) wide. It is either colored pink, brown, or yellow. Its legs are colored dark purple with bands. It is usually found in shallow waters to 20 m (66 ft) deep. 

It is an omnivore. Its diet mainly consists of mysis shrimp, chopped fish, and clams.

It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Like most invertebrates, the Pom Pom Crab does not do well if there are large swings in water parameters. It also does not tolerate any type of metal traces in the water, therefore, it should never be in contact with any copper medications.

Most invertebrates do not like large swings in water parameters and the Pom Pom Crab is not an exception, so even though most hobbyists do not acclimate their cleaner crews it is suggested to do so. If you have a sump, float your cleaner crew in an area with low light to allow them to temperature acclimate first which should take about 15-20 min. Then it is best to slowly drip acclimate them to allow them to adjust to your water conditions.