Candy Crab
Hoplophrys oatesii
Also known as: Commensal Soft Coral Crab, Dendronephthya Crab, Imitator Crab, Oate's Soft Coral Crab, Soft Coral Crab, Soft Coral Spider Crab, Spider Crab, True Crab
- Commensal Soft Coral Crab
- Dendronephthya Crab
- Imitator Crab
- Oate's Soft Coral Crab
- Soft Coral Crab
- Soft Coral Spider Crab
- Spider Crab
- True Crab
Overview
Found mimicking the soft coral it sits on, (Dendronephtya) sometimes attaching the coral polyps to its carapace for further camouflage. Found over coral and rocky reefs.
They feed on plankton caught in the corals.
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.
How to identify
- Body shape
- spikesstriped legs
- Behaviour
- camouflagedmimic
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Country only · 2
Found mimicking the soft coral it sits on, (Dendronephtya) sometimes attaching the coral polyps to its carapace for further camouflage.
Adult photos 3
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Crabs (Epialtidae)
