Xanthidae Collection

Boxer Crab (Lybia tessellata) with sea anemones in its claws for defense. Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

An endemic Hawaiian pom-pom crab / Boxer crab (Lybia edmondsoni) carrying a juvenile Anemone (Triactis producta) in its claws as a defense mechanism

Endemic Hawaiian pom-pom crab / Boxer crab (Lybia edmondsoni) on reef, waving anemones (Triactis sp.) in its claws, North Pacific, Hawaii, USA

Furrowed Crab (Xantho hydrophilus) adult, amongst coraline algae, Kimmeridge Bay, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England, May

Floral Egg Crab (Atergatis floridus) adult, entangled in string, Seraya, Bali, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, April

Pebble crab (Etisus utilis). This crab lives at a depth of 10-15 metres in the Indo-Pacific regions. Its carapace (upper shell)

Boxer crab with anemones
This boxer crab, Lybia tesselata, attaches small stinging anemones to its claws for defence. Photographed at Depan Galala, Halmahera, Maluku Islands, Indonesia

Human-faced crab (Dorippe quadridens). This crab is found at a depth of 30-100 metres, throughout the South China Sea, Vietnam and the Indopacific, from Madagascar to Australia

Spotted rock crab (Carpilius maculatus). This edible crab lives at a depth of 10-15 metres in the Indo-West Pacific. Its carapace (upper shell)

Soft coral crab in Indonesia
Portrait of a soft coral crab, Hoplophrys oatesii, perfectly camouflaged on red soft coral. Photographed on reef on Tafaga, Moti Island, Halmahera, Maluku Islands, Indonesia

Saw-edged Spooner Crab (Etisus utilis) adult, feeding on Light-sensitive Sea Cucumber (Holothuria impatiens) at night, Lembata Island, Solor Archipelago, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia

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Discover the fascinating world of Xanthidae, a diverse family of crabs known for their unique defense mechanisms and striking appearances. In the Lembeh Strait, witness the Boxer Crab (Lybia tessellata) as it cleverly wields sea anemones in its claws, forming a formidable shield against predators. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, the endemic Hawaiian pom-pom crab (Lybia edmondsoni) showcases its mutualistic symbiosis with juvenile Anemone (Triactis producta), carrying it around as a protective armor. Venturing into Mounts Bay and Kimmeridge Bay in England, we encounter the Furrowed Crab (Xantho hydrophilus), showcasing its defensive posture with raised claws amidst rockpools and coraline algae. The Floral Egg Crab (Atergatis floridus) captivates us with its entanglement in string off Seraya Island in Bali, Indonesia. But that's not all. Pebble crabs make their presence known along various shores while captivating our attention with their intricate patterns and textures. And who could forget about the intriguing Human-faced crab or the Spotted rock crab? These remarkable members remind us of nature's endless wonders waiting to be explored. Join us on this journey through stunning coastal landscapes where these enchanting creatures thrive. Marvel at their beauty and resilience as they adapt to their surroundings. Let Xanthidae inspire you to appreciate both the delicate balance and extraordinary diversity found within our oceans.