Dressed for Success: the Red-Spotted Coral Crab

Polka dots look particularly well suited on this Red-spotted Coral Crab (Trapezia rufopunctata). Trapezia is a genus of guard crabs in the family Trapeziidae. Like other members of this family, they live in association with corals, feeding on coral tissue and mucus, and defending the corals from predators, like starfish.

When approached, these tiny crabs (which only reach lengths of a couple inches across or less) will crawl deeper into the coral’s crevices – making them quite tricky to photograph. Luckily, these amazing photographers showcased above were quite successful in snapping up some fabulous shots!