It wears the reef. The Decorator Crab does not just live on the seabed. It becomes part of it. Small hooks cover its carapace. These hooks catch pieces of sponge, algae and seaweed. The crab arranges them deliberately. It creates a living camouflage. Predators look past it. It is invisible. Or nearly so. This trick requires maintenance. The decorations rot. They fall off. The crab must replace them. It is a full-time job. Diet includes algae, sponges and small invertebrates. It picks food from the substrate. It uses its claws to tear off pieces of sponge. These pieces often end up on its back. Recycling is efficient. Nothing is wasted. The crab eats what it wears. Eventually. Habitat is subtidal reefs. It prefers depths of five to twenty metres. Light is dimmer here. Colours are muted. The crab’s disguise works best in this gloom. It moves slowly. Jerkily. It does not rush. Rushing breaks the illusion. It sits among the rocks. It waits. It watches. Threats are minimal. Natural predators include fish and larger crabs. But the camouflage is effective. Human activity poses a risk through trawling and habitat destruction. Reef damage reduces available hiding spots. Pollution affects water quality. The crab is sensitive to changes. It needs clean water. Clear visibility. Healthy sponges. Range extends from the North Island to the top of the South Island. It is less common in colder southern waters. Temperature limits its distribution. It thrives in warmer currents. It follows the heat. Or rather, it stays where the heat is. It does not migrate. It settles. Life span is unknown but likely several years. Growth is slow. Moulting is risky. During a moult the crab loses its decorations. It is vulnerable. It hides until the new shell hardens. Then it starts decorating again. The cycle repeats. Artistry resumes.