Decorator Crab

Care Summary

The Decorator Crab is a fascinating and quirky animal that cuts pieces of algae, sponge, and other materials from the tank and attaches them to its body using tiny hooked setae as camouflage. It is a moderate risk in reef tanks, as it will snip pieces of corals, macroalgae, and sponges to decorate itself, making it better suited to FOWLR systems or tanks where some coral loss is acceptable. They are slow-moving and not aggressive toward fish, but they can cause real damage to prized corals and gorgonians if given access, so placement in the tank matters. Feed with a varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and invertebrate-based pellets several times a week, and provide natural materials like macroalgae and rubble to satisfy their decorating instinct.