Decorator Crab

ID points

• Shell stuck all over with sponges, algae and hydroids as camouflage
• Long slender walking legs, moves slowly
• Carapace usually pear-shaped, pointed at the front

Basics

Family

Majoidea

Length

3–10 cm

Depth

1-50 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic · Temperate & polar

Distribution

Shallow rocky reef areas in tropical and temperate seas worldwide

Habitat

Shallow rocky reefs

Diet

Algae, detritus

Easily confused with

BlennyOften has forked fleshy tentacles above the eyesBoxer CrabEach claw holds a small anemone like a boxing gloveCone SnailCone-shaped shell patterned like printed cloth

Fun fact

The Decorator Crab grows hooked bristles on its shell and deliberately hangs sponges, algae, gravel and even stinging fragments of anemone on them to build a personalised camouflage coat. After each moult it carefully transplants the decorations from the old shell onto the new one, so nothing in the collection goes to waste.