Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Orangutan Crab

Achaeus japonicus

Photo by Blogie
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

7.16295, 125.762

Field Notes

Description:

Also known as Orang-utan Crab, Granchio Orang-utan, Orangutang Spider Crab, Hairy Spider Crab, Hairy Crab, and Bubble Coral Crab. This species of crab is hairy all over for the purpose of camouflage.

They feed on plankton and invertebrates, and grow to about 1.2cm in length.

Habitat:

Found on coral and rocky reefs, often associated with bubble coral. Widespread in the Western Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

This critter was spotted at a depth of about 15m. It was hiding at the base of a soft tree coral.

Reference Links:

The Orangutan Crab - Identify tropical fish - Whats That Fish!

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
The MnMs
Is so well camouflaged! Amazing :-)
Blogie
@Argy_Bee - LOL! Sorry about the photos. The little bugger wouldn't move so I couldn't get a clear shot of him. @Leuba - Thanks! They are amazing indeed. Of course, it helps to have fellow divers who are great spotters. :)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Global Coral Reef Monitoring
Mission
Davao Gulf Marine Life
Mission
Mimetic Animals of the World

Tags

Photographed
PublishedDecember 22, 2011

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies