There are about 277 species of porcelain crabs known. Porcelain Crabs belong to Porcellanidae family of decapods crustaceans. These marine animals superficially resemble true crabs. These crabs are known for their colorful and glossy shells.
Here are some of the most beautiful and distinct species of porcelain crabs in the world.
Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes maculatus)
This beautiful Porcelain Crab is on a Carpet Anemone. The Porcelain Anemone Crab or Neopetrolisthes maculatus and other porcelain crabs such as N. ohshimai, N. alobatus and N. spinatus live on sea anemones.
Neopetrolisthes ohshimai is a colorful spotted porcelain crab species. It can be found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. This small and colorful crustacean with porcelain-like shell is usually found within the stinging tentacles of a number of sea anemones species
Long-clawed Porcelain Crab (Pisidia longicornis)
The Long-clawed Porcelain Crab is a brightly-colored porcelain crab species that can be found in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean from Norway to Angola. It can be found also in the Mediterranean. Its color varies from reddish or orange to white. Its carapace grows up t 1 cm.
New Zealand Half Crab (Petrolisthes elongates)
One of the weirdest-looking but colorful crab in the world is the New Zealand Half Crab. This porcelain crab species was commonly named because of its appearance. It can be found in New Zealand and Tasmania.
Broad-clawed Porcelain Crab (Porcellana platycheles)
The Broad-clawed Porcelain Crab is another weird-looking porcelain crab species due to its hairy appearance. It may reach a size of 1.5 cm and is found in the Eastern North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. This porcelain crab feeds on carrion and other organic debris.