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Petrolisthes violaceus is a completely reef-safe and harmless porcelain crab with an attractive purple to bluish coloration. It leaves corals, fish, and other invertebrates completely alone in the aquarium, but Petrolisthes violaceus is mainly nocturnal, so you will rarely see it.
In a saltwater aquarium, a moderate to strong current is needed to promote filtration.
Live rocks with hiding places are important for Petrolisthes violaceus, as these also contain microplankton such as copepods, which the crab also eats.
Our recommendation: although the porcelain crab can be ordered from English/American shops, please leave it in the sea!
Etymology: The species name “violaceus” is a Latin word meaning “violet-colored,” referring to the violet coloration of the species.
Synonyms:
Porcellana macrocheles Poeppig, 1836 · unaccepted > junior subjective synonym
Porcellana violacea Guérin, 1829 · unaccepted > superseded combination
In a saltwater aquarium, a moderate to strong current is needed to promote filtration.
Live rocks with hiding places are important for Petrolisthes violaceus, as these also contain microplankton such as copepods, which the crab also eats.
Our recommendation: although the porcelain crab can be ordered from English/American shops, please leave it in the sea!
Etymology: The species name “violaceus” is a Latin word meaning “violet-colored,” referring to the violet coloration of the species.
Synonyms:
Porcellana macrocheles Poeppig, 1836 · unaccepted > junior subjective synonym
Porcellana violacea Guérin, 1829 · unaccepted > superseded combination
