Back
Trapezia cymodoce (Herbst, 1801)
| Family Name: | Trapeziidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Lilac Coral Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | This species is an obligate symbiont of Pocillopora hard corals. The relationship is mutualistic. The crab benefits from the mucus (food source) produced by its coral host as well as the shelter and protection given by the branching calcareous skeleton and stinging cells of the coral; and returns the favour by protecting the coral from predators such as the crown-of-thorn sea star (Acanthaster), attacking the sensitive tube feet of these predators with its sharp pincers. |
|---|---|
| Habitats | Coral Reef, Marine |
| Distribution | Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | As obligate coral symbionts, the survival of this species is directly associated with the conservation of coral reefs, which are under threat from coastal development and land reclamation resulting in heavy siltation, dumping and pollution. |
|---|---|
| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | The mutualistic nature of the relationship between this species and hard corals suggest that the wellbeing of the latter is likewise influenced by the survival of the crab. Singapore also happens to be the type locality of this well known species. |
| Conservation Notes | The conservation of coral reefs is essential for the conservation of this species. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Vulnerable (VU) [2008] |
|---|
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
|---|