Florent's Guide To The

Tropical Pacific Reefs

Soft Coral Crab
Hoplophrys oatesii
Soft Coral Crab
Also known as: Candy Crab
Category: Imitator Crabs
Scientific Name: Hoplophrys oatesii
Synonyms: Hoplophrys oatesi
Size: Up to 5/8 in. (1.5 cm)  
Depth: 30-100 ft. (10-30 m)
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific
Arthropoda (Phylum)
└Crustacea (Subphylum)
 └Multicrustacea (Superclass)
  └Malacostraca (Class)
   └Eumalacostraca (Subclass)
    └Eucarida (Superorder)
     └Decapoda (Order)
      └Pleocyemata (Suborder)
       └Brachyura (Infraorder)
        └Majoidea (Superfamily)
         └Epialtidae (Family)
          └Pisinae (Subfamily)
           └Hoplophrys (Genus)
            └H. oatesii (Species)

Crustaceans
Imitator Crabs

Soft Coral Crab

White-V Hydroid Crab

Arrowhead Crab

Depressed Spider Crab

Wire Coral Crab



All Photographs
© 2025 Florent Charpin