Spider Decorator Crab

Spider Decorator Crabs, Camposcia retusa, are collected from Atlantic waters bordering the Americas. These crabs are generally best suited for a species only aquarium. The crab will collect polyps, sponge, and anything else that it comes across. The collected items are 'glued' to the crab's exoskeleton. This covering provides and excellent source of camouflage for the crab. In the reef aquarium, this behavior can help to spread the collected items. Decorator crabs are carnivorous and can pose a threat to sessile invertebrates and small fish in the reef aquarium.

Notes: This species must molt in order to grow. Generally at night, it will lay on its back and exit its exoskeleton. A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours. The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed. Proper iodine levels assist with successful molting.

Detailed Information about this animal.