''Hoplophrys'' is a
monotypic
In biology, a monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group (taxon) that contains only one immediately subordinate taxon. A monotypic species is one that does not include subspecies or smaller, infraspecific taxa. In the case of genera, the term "unispe ...
genus of crab in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...
Epialtidae
Epialtidae is a family of crabs, containing the subfamilies:
* Epialtinae MacLeay, 1838
* Pisinae Dana, 1851
* Pliosomatinae Števčić, 1994
* Tychinae Dana, 1851
* Actinotocarcininae
References
Majoidea
Decapod families
{{c ...
. It contains the single species Hoplophrys oatesi, also known as the candy crab, Oates's soft coral crab, commensal soft coral crab and ''Dendronephthya'' crab.
Description
''Hoplophrys oatesi'' is a very colourful crab that grows from 1.5 to 2 cm. It lives on various species of soft coral in the genus ''
Dendronephthya''. It camouflages itself by mimicking the colours of the polyps among which it hides. It adds further camouflage by attaching polyps to its carapace. Colours vary depending on the colour of the coral, and may be white, pink, yellow or red.
The first pair of legs of this species has small claws. The body has pointed spines with a red and white pattern, similar in appearance to the host coral.
[http://www.lembehresort.com/candy_crab_hoplophrys_oatesii_c14.html]
Distribution
This crab is widespread in the Indo-Pacific.
Diet
''Hoplophrys oatesi'' feeds on plankton.
References
Further reading
*
External links
*
Image
The Soft Coral Crab is one of many small animals that lives in the ocean. Crabs can come in all shapes and sizes, but this crab is definitely one to remember! With its small size and strange structure, it is by far, one of the most interesting crabs ever seen before. Its colors and the way it protects itself, it is not exactly a normal crab to see in the ocean.
{{Taxonbar, from=Q13247134
Majoidea
Monotypic arthropod genera
Crustaceans described in 1893