Decorator Crab

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Australia. Found in shallow coral reefs and lagoons rich in algae and sponges.

Taxonomy: Family Inachidae, genus Camposcia. Body is covered in hooked setae (bristles) that act like velcro to hold camouflage objects.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, slow, and mostly nocturnal. Spends its time collecting sponges, zoanthids, and algae to attach to its shell for camouflage.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Natural color is dull brown, but is usually completely hidden under decorations. Males have slightly larger claws than females.

Tank Setup: An aquarium of at least 100 liters with plenty of live rock and loose items (shells, coral rubble, algae) for camouflage materials.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scavenger. Consumes leftover fish food, algae, and detritus. Weekly target feeding of chopped shrimp or pellets is beneficial.

Water Quality: Standard reef parameters. Keep pH at 8.1-8.5, and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. Calcium levels must be maintained to ensure proper shell growth.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Safe with peaceful reef fish. Caution is required as it may harvest pieces of soft corals or zoanthids to decorate itself.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult due to the planktonic larval stage which is easily consumed by filtration systems.

Risks and Diseases: Intolerant of copper. Vulnerable during the molting process; ensure there are safe caves where it can hide while its shell hardens.