Family

Common name: Decorator Crabs

Scientific name: Epialtidae

Epialtidae, commonly known as decorator crabs or spider crabs, are a family of crabs known for their habit of camouflaging themselves with materials from their environment. This unique behavior helps them blend into their surroundings, providing protection from predators. They are fascinating additions to a reef aquarium, where they can exhibit natural behaviors and contribute to the tank's diversity. Hobbyists should provide a variety of live rock and substrate for these crabs to utilize for their decorating. They are generally peaceful and can coexist with many other reef inhabitants.

  1. Corallimorph Decorator Crab (Cyclocoeloma tuberculatum)
    Common name: Corallimorph Decorator Crab
    Scientific name: Cyclocoeloma tuberculatum
  2. Soft Coral Crab (Hoplophrys oatesii)
    Common name: Soft Coral Crab
    Scientific name: Hoplophrys oatesii
  3. Bull Hydroid Crab (Naxioides taurus), Raja Ampat, Indonesia
    Common name: Bull Hydroid Crab
    Scientific name: Naxioides taurus
  4. Conical Spider Crab (Xenocarcinus conicus), Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
    Common name: Conical Spider Crab
    Scientific name: Xenocarcinus conicus
  5. Wire Coral Crab (Xenocarcinus tuberculatus)
    Common name: Wire Coral Crab
    Scientific name: Xenocarcinus tuberculatus