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Sponge/Decorator Crab

Dromia dormia

Photo by AlbertKang
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This was quite a large Sponge Crab, around 20 cm in carapace size.
They are always found carrying a piece of coral on their back, probably for camouflage and protection.
Mostly grey/brown in colour with a distinctive white markings at the tip of its claws.

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

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
AlbertKang
Thanks, @Ava T-B and @venusflytrap2000 :) Yes, I don't remember seeing one without them carrying any corals on their back. I think the only time they will release the coral they are carrying is when they are moulting and have to look for a bigger piece of coral to carry. This is the same situation with Hermit crabs, whereby they will look for a bigger shell before discarding their smaller shell each time they moult.
Ava T-B
Great picture and interesting notes; it always carries a piece of coral on its back! And I love it when the Genus and species names are the same.

Spotted for Missions

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Global Coral Reef Monitoring
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Crustacea Filipiniana
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Philippine Wildlife
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2016 Best Wildlife Photo

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Photographed
PublishedMarch 13, 2016

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