Rust-spotted Guard Crab

Trapezia rufopunctata is a species of guard crabs in the family Trapeziidae.

Description

Trapezia rufopunctata can reach the size of about 5 cm. It has quite long, flattened clawed legs (chelipeds). The squarish carapace has a spectacular mottled drawing, with about 100 to 200 reddish or orange spots on a white or pink background. This guard crab, like other members of the family, lives symbiotically in association with corals (usually hard corals of the genus Stylophora and Pocillopora), hiding deep within the coral branches. It feeds on coral tissue and mucus, and defends the corals from predators, like the coral-eating starfish Acanthaster planci.

Distribution

This species is widespread in the Indo-Pacific, Maldives and Polynesia.

Habitat

Trapezia rufopunctata inhabits coastal reefs and lagoons.

In captivity

This species of Trapezia are a favorite among many aquarists. They help keep the corals clean from detritus and waste, while also protecting the fragile coral from dangerous animals. Many people like to see the process of symbiotic relationships between these two animals, and its understandable.