The Oates Soft Coralcrab (Hoplophrys oatsii) is a very small crab species that can be found occurring in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This species belongs to the crustacean family Majidae which includes the ‘Decorator/Spider crabs’. Crabs in the Majidae family are unique in that they have triangular body that tapers towards the front however some species may have a rounded carapace. The carapace of the Majids is generally covered with spines or knobs and has hooked hairs. These hairs are very important as the crab attached algae, sponges and hydroids to the carapace via the hooked hairs. This provides the crab with excellent camouflage and they are often very difficult to see.
The Oates Soft Coralcrab can be found living in Spiky Soft corals such as Dendronephthya species and it is extremely difficult to find. The Oates Soft Coralcrab (Hoplophrys oatsii) has a maximum carapace width of approximately 1cm.
