Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Boxer Crab - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Boxer Crab at a glance
Adult size: 1 inch · Minimum tank/pond: 10 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 2-4 years.
Boxer Crab (Lybia edmondsoni) is a marine invertebrate kept by aquarists for reef-tank cleanup, biological control of pests, or aesthetic display. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of experience and stable water chemistry.
Where Boxer Crab comes from
Boxer Crab (Lybia edmondsoni) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Boxer Crab sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.
Boxer Crab tank size and setup
Boxer Crab requires a minimum of 10 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (1 inch), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Boxer Crab sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
For a Boxer Crab setup: mature reef tank with stable parameters, live rock for cover, sandbed substrate (1-2"), reef-grade lighting if photosynthetic, and a fully-cycled biological filter at least 6 weeks old. Newly-cycled tanks under 6 weeks crash the parameters that Boxer Crab depends on.
Boxer Crab requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates)
Boxer Crab is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Boxer Crab is present. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Boxer Crab eats
Boxer Crab is a omnivore. Eats a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Quality flake or pellet (Hikari, New Life Spectrum, Tetra) plus frozen mysis or bloodworms 2-3x weekly produces best color and behavior. Feed Boxer Crab appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Boxer Crab tankmates and compatibility
Boxer Crab is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Boxer Crab can share a tank but compete for food.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Boxer Crab and similar species.
Boxer Crab adult size and lifespan
Boxer Crab reaches 1 inch at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 2-4 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts.
Can you breed Boxer Crab?
Boxer Crab breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward (some shrimp, snails) to nearly impossible (most starfish, urchins) due to pelagic larval requirements. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities; check with vendors before assuming wild-caught origin.
Common Boxer Crab diseases and problems
Boxer Crab is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Boxer Crab. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Boxer Crab deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.
Where to buy Boxer Crab online
Boxer Crab is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Boxer Crab from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Boxer Crab FAQ
How big does Boxer Crab get?
1 inch at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Boxer Crab live?
2-4 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
10 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Boxer Crab hard to keep?
Boxer Crab is rated intermediate difficulty.
What does Boxer Crab eat?
Boxer Crab is a omnivore; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.