T. (Tao) Xu, MSc

PhD project: Diversity and evolution of coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae: Opecarcinus) (2024)

Coral reefs are believed to have the greatest biodiversity of all ecosystems on earth, with numerous species living in a symbiotic relationship with invertebrate hosts. Brachyuran crabs are one of the most diverse taxa in coral reef communities and several species exhibit obligate associations. This thesis aimed to uncover the evolution and diversification of coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae), with a particular focus on the circumtropical genus Opecarcinus, to gain insights into the evolutionary history of these crabs living in obligate symbiosis with Agariciidae corals. Furthermore this thesis briefly discusses the relationship between coral colony size/depth and assemblages of coral-dwelling symbionts (including gall crabs).