Dromia personata is known for adhering a sponge to its back.
The two organisms have a symbiotic relationship where the crab is able to camouflage while providing the sponge with physical protection from predators, such as fish, turtles, and sea slugs.
The crab prefers Halichondria panicea, Celtodoryx ciocalyptoides, and sponges of the Suberites genus.
Upon obtaining a sponge, either when molding its first sponge or obtaining a new one following a period of molting, the fourth and fifth pairs of pereiopods tear the sponge from its edges until it is a spherical size and shape.
These same legs support the sponge on the crab's back.
As it grows, the sponge conforms to mimic the cephalothorax shape.

D. personata has exhibited protective behavior for its sponge.
When another organism attempts to eat or steal its sponge, the host crab attacks with its chelae.
When concealed within a mass of other sponges, the crab is able to identify the sponge it most recently claimed.
In addition, it surpasses considerable physical challenges, such as lifting rocks, in order to retrieve its sponge.
Dromia personata is known for adhering a sponge to its back. The two organisms have a symbiotic relationship where the crab is able to camouflage while providing the sponge with physical protection from predators, such as fish, turtles, and sea slugs. The crab prefers Halichondria panicea, Celtodoryx ciocalyptoides, and sponges of the Suberites genus. Upon obtaining a sponge, either when molding its first sponge or obtaining a new one following a period of molting, the fourth and fifth pairs of pereiopods tear the sponge from its edges until it is a spherical size and shape. These same legs support the sponge on the crab's back. As it grows, the sponge conforms to mimic the cephalothorax shape.
D. personata has exhibited protective behavior for its sponge. When another organism attempts to eat or steal its sponge, the host crab attacks with its chelae. When concealed within a mass of other sponges, the crab is able to identify the sponge it most recently claimed. In addition, it surpasses considerable physical challenges, such as lifting rocks, in order to retrieve its sponge.
Dromia personata