Boxer Crab

ID points

• Each claw holds a small anemone like a boxing glove
• Only the size of a fingernail
• Waves the anemones as a threat display

Basics

Family

Xanthidae

Length

1–2 cm

Depth

1-30 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Coral rubble and reef crevices

Diet

Detritus and small invertebrates

Easily confused with

Banded Coral ShrimpAlternating red and white bands cover the claws and the bodyBlennyOften has forked fleshy tentacles above the eyesCleaner ShrimpA white stripe down the middle of the back, bright red on either side

Fun fact

It holds a small anemone in each claw like a pair of boxing gloves, using them for defence and for feeding. If one is stolen, it splits the remaining anemone in two to make up the pair again.