Red Stylophora Crab

🦀 Red Stylophora Crab

Scientific Name: Trapezia sp.
Common Names: Red Stylophora Crab, Red Guard Crab, Coral Crab, Trapezia Crab

🌺 Description

The Red Stylophora Crab is a small, symbiotic coral crab that typically lives within the branches of SPS corals such as Stylophora, Pocillopora, and Seriatopora. It features a deep red or maroon body with a compact, flat shape and large front claws used primarily for defense. These crabs are considered coral guards, protecting their host coral from predators like coral-eating starfish and worms.

📏 Size

• Max size: ~2.5 cm (1 inch)

🪸 Coral Association

• Lives within and forms a mutualistic relationship with branching SPS corals

• Does not harm the coral; instead, it helps protect it by fending off pests and predators