Trapezia guttata

Trapezia guttata is a species of crab belonging to the family Trapeziidae, commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, excluding the Hawaiian Islands. These crabs inhabit subtropical waters and are typically found at depths ranging from the surface down to 66 meters. They are benthic, meaning they live on the sea floor, and are often associated with coral reefs and subtidal zones. Trapezia guttata is epizoic. The species is part of the order Decapoda, which are mostly gonochoric, meaning they have distinct male and female individuals. Their mating behavior includes a precopulatory courtship ritual that involves olfactory and tactile cues, and they generally engage in indirect sperm transfer. Trapezia guttata has not been evaluated by the IUCN Red List, CITES, or CMS for conservation status. Divers encountering Trapezia guttata may find them in coral-rich environments, where they are often seen clinging to the coral structures. These crabs can be elusive, and spotting them requires a keen eye to notice their presence among the corals.