Japanese Sponge Crab

Lauridromia dehaani

Japanese Sponge Crab

The Japanese sponge crab cuts a living sponge or colonial sea squirt to fit and holds it over its back with specialised rear legs, wearing it as a disguise. It lives on muddy and soft bottoms and reefs between about 10 and 150 metres, and is an omnivore that even preys on sea stars.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Malacostraca › Decapoda › Dromiidae › Lauridromia

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 440092.

FAQ

How deep does the Japanese Sponge Crab live?
The Japanese Sponge Crab (Lauridromia dehaani) is typically found at 10–150 m.
Is the Japanese Sponge Crab dangerous to divers?
The Japanese Sponge Crab is harmless to divers.
How big does the Japanese Sponge Crab get?
The Japanese Sponge Crab grows to about 10 cm.