Sponge Crabs [Dromia]

Description

Dromia sponge crabs are masters of camouflage, often wearing a cloak of living sponge or sponge-like material on their backs. As you swim by, you may spot them tucked into rocky crevices, slowly moving along the substrate while their “sponge armor” helps them blend into the reef.

Species

Hairy Umbrella Crab

Dromia personata

Dromia bollorei

Dromia bollorei

Large Sponge-carrying Crab

Dromia erythropus

Marbled spider crab

Dromia marmorea

Knobby spider crab

Dromia nodosa

Taxonomy