Genus

Common name: Pilferer Crab

Scientific name: Carpilius

Carpilius is a genus of crabs known as Pilferer Crabs, belonging to the family Carpiliidae. These crabs are recognized for their bright coloration and distinctive, rounded carapace. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic matter, which can make them both beneficial for cleaning up detritus in a reef tank and potentially harmful if they decide to snack on corals or slow-moving fish. In the wild, they are often found in tropical and subtropical regions, usually in shallow waters. For hobbyists, they can be interesting to observe due to their active scavenging behavior, but caution is advised when introducing them to a community tank.

  1. Convex Reef Crab (Carpilius convexus)
    Common name: Convex Reef Crab
    Scientific name: Carpilius convexus
  2. Spotted Reef Crab (Carpilius maculatus), Papua New Guinea
    Common name: Seven-eleven Crab
    Scientific name: Carpilius maculatus