Trapezia Acro Crab

Trapezia acro Crab (Trapezia rufopunctata): A brilliantly patterned coral crab known for its symbiotic relationship with branching corals, especially Pocillopora and Stylophora. Its vivid red‑spotted white body makes it one of the most recognizable reef crustaceans. 🦀 Identification & Appearance Body shape: Rounded carapace with smooth edges. Coloration: White base with red or crimson spots forming irregular patterns across the carapace, legs, and claws. Eyes: Bright yellow‑green, slightly protruding. Claws: Thick and powerful, often tipped in orange; adapted for defense rather than predation. Size: Typically 1–2 cm carapace width. 🌍 Distribution & Habitat Range: Indo‑Pacific — from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Habitat: Lives exclusively among branching corals, especially Pocillopora and Stylophora species. Depth: Commonly found between 3–20 m on coral reefs. 🤝 Symbiotic Behavior Coral guardian: Defends host coral from predators such as crown‑of‑thorns starfish and corallivorous fish. Mutualism: In return, the coral provides shelter and food via mucus and trapped plankton. Territorial pairs: Usually found in male‑female pairs or small family groups within a single coral colony. 🍽 Diet Feeds on coral mucus, zooplankton, and detritus. Occasionally consumes small invertebrates caught in coral polyps. 🧬 Reproduction Mating: Occurs within coral branches; males guard females during molting. Eggs: Carried under the female’s abdomen until hatching. Larvae: Planktonic stages drift before settling into coral habitats. 🪸 Aquarium Notes (for Seahorse Aquarium & Supply) Reef safety: Fully reef‑safe; does not harm coral tissue. Behavior: Peaceful toward fish and most invertebrates; may fight other Trapezia species for territory. Care: Requires live branching coral for shelter. Stable reef parameters (SG 1.024–1.026, temp 24–27 °C). Gentle flow and consistent feeding of fine plankton or coral foods.