Description

Also known as Black Coral Xeno Crab, Brachyura Crab, Decorator Crab, Gorgonian Crab, Horned Spider Crab, Imitator Crab, Soft Coral Crab, Spider Crab, True Crab, Whip Coral Spider Crab, Tuberculatus Xeno Crab, Xeno Crab.

Found attached to the Seawhips - Cirripathes or Stichopathes spp., over coral and rocky reefs. This crab will often take flesh from its host to use as camouflage, or cover itself in algae, again for camouflage!
They feed on plankton.
Length - 2cm
Depth - 1-50m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Brachyura crabs are considered true crabs, they have a short abdomen, 4 walking legs and a pair of clawed arms at the front.
Many thousands of species live worldwide in sea water, fresh water and on land.
Brachyura crabs are considered true crabs, they have a short abdomen, 4 walking legs and a pair of clawed arms at the front.
Many thousands of species live worldwide in sea water, fresh water and on land.

In time this crab may have a name change when the experts concur!
Xenocarcinus depressus
http://www.nevillecoleman.com.au/underwater-marine-life-journal/ask-the-expert!/spider-crabs.aspx Ref: x