Decorator Crab

Description:

Also known as Decorator Spider Crab, Retusa Spider Crab, Seaweed Decorator Crab, Rubbish Crab and Velcro Crab. It attaches sponges, seaweed, etc. onto its back to serve as camouflage against predators. They feed nocturnally on invertebrates and grow to about 3cm in length.

Habitat:

Found on coral and rocky reefs, often walking along the sand covered in shells, seaweed, rubbish etc. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

This critter, which looks to be covered in sponges, seems to not like the light. As soon as my torch shone on it, it started to move away and hide. These pictures were taken during a night dive, at a depth of less than 10m. I found it among soft coral. The video is of another decorator crab in the area, taken at the same night dive (Limao Reef, 30 November 2011).