UNDERCOVER AGENTS

On the reef, there are three types of creatures; The Mean, The Sneaky and The Main Course.  Many critters choose the Stealth option and the Decorator Crabs are the most stealthy of the bunch.  Some beasties like the flounder or the frogfish change color to mimic the environment,  but the decorator crab actually becomes the environment  by covering itself with living hydroids, polyps and algae.  Scientists would love to learn how the decorators accomplish this task as they would be able to utilize the methods to reattach new invertebrates onto damaged reefs.  (Is that a tube of Crazy Glue I see in that crab's pocket??!)

Click on any crab to see enlarged view with critter
and photo information

Phillip Slosberg.
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved.