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Sponge Crab

Dromia dormia

Description:

Dromia dormia, the sleepy sponge crab or common sponge crab, is the largest species of sponge crab. It grows to a carapace width of 20 cm (8 in) and lives in shallow waters across the Indo-Pacific region. Dromia dormia is the largest species in the family Dromiidae, at up to 200 millimetres (7.9 in) across the carapace for males, and up to 172 mm (6.8 in) for females.

Habitat:

Dromia dormia has a widespread distribution in the Indo-Pacific region. Its range extends from East Africa (including Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius) and the Red Sea through the Malay Archipelago, south to Queensland (Australia), north to China and Japan and as far east as Hawaii and French Polynesia. It is mostly found in shallow waters, with the deepest record being 112 m

Notes:

Like other related crabs, D. dormia camouflages itself by carrying a sponge on its back, which it cuts to size with its claws, and then holds in place with its last two pairs of legs. Instead of a sponge, D. dormia has occasionally been observed carrying other materials, including a hollow piece of wood, and the sole of a discarded shoe

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5 Comments

AlbertKang
AlbertKang 9 years ago

Thanks, @venusflytrap2000 and @Stephane.
Its not really rare, mostly seen at night when they come out to feed.
Possible to see them late afternoon if its cloudy.
On some night dives, I can see 2-3 of them of various sizes.

Stephane Ifergan
Stephane Ifergan 9 years ago

very rare ! great photographer

CalebSteindel
CalebSteindel 9 years ago

great shot, albert!

AlbertKang
AlbertKang 9 years ago

Thanks, @andrew.
Yes, the variety of stuff they can use or carry on their back for camouflage and protection is funny and amazing :D

andreweleighton
andreweleighton 9 years ago

Great picture. I love the purple sponge. My three your old daughter said, "oh, thats sparkly!" The first time I saw on of these running along the sandy bottom I couldn't believe my eyes. Amazing.

AlbertKang
Spotted by
AlbertKang

Cebu, Philippines

Spotted on Feb 11, 2015
Submitted on Feb 23, 2015

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Reference

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