© Bernard PictonCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Atlantic Spinous Spider Crab
Maja brachydactyla
Wire Coral Crab
Xenocarcinus tuberculatus
- Max size
- View in app
- Max depth
- 50 m
- Found in
- 59 regions
How to recognise it
- Colours
- whiteblackbrowngreyyelloworangepurplered
- Pattern
- Blotches or dots, Camouflage pattern, Tubercles pattern
Description
The carapace of X. tuberculatus is smooth with tubercles that resemble the polips from the soft corals. It is mostly white with patterns of orange and brown. Its colour depends on the colour of its host. It tends to stay on the same whip coral for a longer period of time. No evident sexual dimorphism.
Distribution
Xenocarcinus tuberculatus is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, including around Cargados Carajos, Chagos, East Africa, South Africa, the Red Sea, and Seychelles (WoRMS 2009).
Habitat
This species is found exclusively on whip corals black corals and hydroids, mainly in pairs, but can be in groups as juveniles. Depth range 1 - 50 m.
Similar species
© Bernard PictonCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist 
Bull Hydroid Crab
Naxioides taurus
© Julien RenoultCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Cave Spider Crab
Herbstia condyliata
© Robin WhiteCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Channel Clinging Crab
Mithrax spinosissimus
© Dan SchofieldCC BY 4.0
Corallimorph Decorator Crab
Cyclocoeloma tuberculata
© Robin WhiteCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Cryptic Teardrop Crab
Pelia mutica
Questions
Is Wire Coral Crab dangerous?
Wire Coral Crab has no known danger to humans. However, always observe marine life responsibly.
Where can you find Wire Coral Crab?
How deep does Wire Coral Crab live?
Wire Coral Crab can be found at depths of up to 50 meters.
