Epialtidae Collection

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Wire Coral Crab on Whip Coral (Alcyonacea Order) - Batu Gosoh dive site, Bangka Island, north Sulawesi, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean Date: 24-03-2016

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Soft Coral Crab on Glomerate Tree Coral (Dendronephthya sp) - Sabora 1 dive site, Bangka Island, north Sulawesi, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean Date: 24-03-2016

Northern kelp crab (Pugettia producta) clinging to a fallen tree branch off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Northern kelp crab (Pugettia producta) large adult male is clinging to strands of bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana). Nigei Island, Queen Charlotte Strait, British Columbia. September

Sally lightfoot crabs (Grapsus grapsus) on the beach at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island, Galapagos, May

Picture No. 12479184
Spider Crab - with attached anemones for defense Date:

Soft coral crab (Hoplophrys oatesil) climbing out onto a branch of yellow and red soft coral (Dendronephthya sp.) at night. Anilao, Batangas, Luzon, Philippines

A soft coral crab clings to its host soft coral on a reef
A soft coral crab (Hoplophrys oatesi) clings to its host soft coral on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This area is known for its spectacular marine biodiversity

A soft coral crab blends into its host coral colony
A soft coral crab (Hoplophrys oatesi) blends into its host coral colony in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait is known for its diverse array of bizarre marine organisms

Four-horned Spider Crab (Pisa tetraodon) adult, Kimmeridge, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England, March

Lissa ciragra crab. This crab lives at a depth of 30-60 metres in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The carapace (shell) of this specimen measures 5cm wide

Great spider crab and bryozoa. Great spider crab (Hyas araneus) carrying a bryozoan colony. This crab lives at a depth of 500-2000 metres in Atlantic waters and the North Sea

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"Epialtidae: Masters of Camouflage and Adaptation in the Crab World" Discover the fascinating world of Epialtidae, a family of crabs known for their incredible ability to blend into their surroundings. With species like the Northern kelp crab (Pugettia producta) clinging to a fallen tree branch off Vancouver or a large adult male clinging to strands of bull kelp, these crabs showcase their remarkable camouflage skills. Venture to Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, and you'll encounter Sally lightfoot crabs (Grapsus grapsus) gracefully navigating the beach. Their vibrant colors harmonize with the rocky landscape as they scuttle about, leaving mesmerizing patterns in the sand. Intriguingly, soft coral crabs such as Hoplophrys oatesil demonstrate an exceptional talent for blending into their host corals. Whether climbing out onto a branch of yellow soft coral or seamlessly merging with a coral colony on a reef, these small creatures become one with their environment. The Four-horned Spider Crab (Pisa tetraodon), found along England's Isle of Purbeck coastline, showcases its unique appearance and adaptability. Its intricate body structure allows it to thrive in various habitats while remaining inconspicuous among rocks and seaweed. Epialtidae exemplifies nature's ingenuity by evolving specialized adaptations that ensure survival amidst diverse ecosystems. From mimicking fallen branches or hiding within corals, these crabs have mastered the art of disguise and serve as living nature's extraordinary capabilities.