However, in a previous study, we showed that the crabs regulate the food intake of their sea anemones, and consequently control their growth, maintaining small, вЂњbonsaiвЂќ sea anemones for their use.The partnership between L. Previous studies have often suggested that the crab-held sea anemones gain in addition to mobility, transport to further food sources and oxygen (Duerden, 1905 Karplus, Fiedler & Ramcharan, 1998 Schnytzer et al., 2013). Due to this вЂњinvertedвЂќ situation, the crab which is the larger of the two associates effectively controls the movement of its вЂњhostвЂќ sea anemone.

Although crab-cnidarian associations are generally characterized by a small crab and a larger cnidarian associate who is regarded as the clear host (Thiel & Baeza, 2001), in this case, the crab is the larger of the two associates, making the host-symbiont identification harder to define. Lybia gain both nutritional and protective benefits from their sea anemones (Duerden, 1905 Karplus, Fiedler & Ramcharan, 1998 Schnytzer et al., 2013). 'Boxer crabs of the genus Lybia have the remarkable habit of carrying a sea anemone in each of its claws by means of delicate hooks, slightly embedded in the sea anemone column (Duerden, 1905 Guinot, 1976 Schnytzer et al., 2013). Just some really neat general background info from the introduction of the article that I wanted to share. They also found at least one anemone species that has not been found except in the grasp of these crabs. The crabs would proceed to fight, which almost always led to the anemone-less crab stealing an anemone from its opponent.Д«oth crabs would then split the one anemone into two parts, one for each claw. In a second experiment, Schnytzer and colleagues observed what a crab does if it has no anemones at all: They placed a crab without anemones in an aquarium with a crab holding two anemones.

Lucky enough to see a pom-pom crabВ while diving? Log it on your Digital Logbook.The pom-pom crab is also called the boxing crab, boxer crab. LocateВ a PADI Dive ShopВ in any of the above locationsВ and to book a dive and try to find these incredible crabsВ firsthand. Hawaiian Flower: AlsoВ referred to as the Hawaiian boxer crab (Lybia edmondsoni) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.В ItвЂ™s Hawaiian name is kЕ«mimi pua, meaning вЂњinedible flower crabвЂќ.ДЁ.В Professional Cleaner: The sea anemoneвЂ™s tentacles can be used like mops, gathering debris and food particles from the ground around the crabвЂ™s hiding place. Tiny Cheerleader: YouвЂ™ll have to peer into little crevices to try and spot the pom-pom crab which grows to an average width of about 2.5 cm (about 1 in).Д¦.В Tropical Travels: Pom-pom crabs (Lybia tessellata) can be found in shallow water in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, its range extending from the Red Sea and the East African coast to Indonesia and New Guinea.Д§. Best Friends: The relationship the pom-pom crab has with the sea anemone вЂ“В being carriedВ in itвЂ™s claws вЂ“ is not essential for the survival of either species.ДҐ. Sometimes substituting other organisms such as sponges and corals for the sea anemones.Д¤. Tight Grip: Pom-pomВ crabs have been known to use three different species of anemones. Mothering Skills: The red eggs of pom-pom crabВ are carried around on the femaleвЂ™s abdomen for around 13-15 days where they are brooded.ДЈ.

These tiny treasures can be hard to find, but if you keep your eye out, even on night dives, you might be lucky enough to spot one.ДЎ.В Boxing Gloves: If provoked or attacked by a predator, the pom-pom crabВ (boxing crab) will threaten the aggressor and try to deter itВ by waving itвЂ™sВ anemones around, the tentacles of which are well armed with cnidocytes (stinging cells).Дў. The crabs are known for their signature move of always carrying a small living sea anemone around in each of its claws, which helps them catch food and protect themselves from predatorsВ (thought toВ resemble pom-poms or boxing gloves). It is alsoВ referred to as Hawaiian boxer crab, pom-pom crab, cheerleaderВ crab, mosaic boxer crab amongВ many other nicknames. TheВ Lybia crab is a species of small crab in the family Xanthidae.

Pompom crabs