Coral Crab

The Coral Crab belongs to the family Trapeziidae. Coral crabs are native to the Indo-West Pacific Ocean and dwell on coral reefs. These small colorful crabs come in a variety of colors and patterns that are unique to each species. Scientists believe that Coral crabs can identify each other by their colors and patterns. Just like any other crab, they have 5 pairs of legs with pinching claws on a pair. Their carapace (shell) is noticeably flattened, and some have a hairy pit on the lateral side of the major claw. The Coral crab is selective on the coral it will inhabit. Most Coral crabs like to live in the branches of stony coral. There they will create a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Like clownfish with anemones, the Coral crab helps the coral just as much as the coral helps them. Coral crabs rely on the coral to feed them. They have specialized feeding appendages that are on the tips of their legs that will stimulate the coral, causing them to produce a lipid-rich mucus. The crabs will eat the mucus and any other debris around the coral, ensuring that it does not impact the zooxanthellae. In return, the coral will provide shelter for the mated pair.

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