Honeycomb Coral Crab

Trapezia septata

The Honeycomb Coral Crab, known scientifically as Trapezia septata, is a small crustacean belonging to the family Trapeziidae. This species is primarily found in the subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, excluding the Hawaiian Islands. Divers can encounter this crab at depths ranging from the surface down to 50 meters, although most sightings occur shallower than 40 meters. The Honeycomb Coral Crab is closely associated with Pocillopora corals, where it lives in a symbiotic relationship, often found nestled among the coral branches. The crab is epizoic and subtidal, meaning it lives on the surface of other organisms and below the tide line. Its mating behavior involves a precopulatory courtship ritual, utilizing both olfactory and tactile cues, which is common among members of the order Decapoda. The species typically engages in indirect sperm transfer during reproduction. The species is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.