Tao Xu

Tao Xu is a Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, affiliated with the Van der Meij lab - Marine Evolutionary Ecology. His work focuses on the evolutionary biology of coral-dwelling gall crabs and their symbiotic relationships with marine ecosystems.

• Education: Holds an MSc degree and completed a PhD in 2024 titled Diversity and evolution of coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae: Opecarcinus).

Research interests include coral reef biodiversity, cladistics, decapod crustaceans, and symbiosis evolution. His studies examine obligate associations between gall crabs and Agariciidae corals, alongside depth/size effects on symbiont assemblages.

Recent publications highlight trends in Coral Reef Ecology, Evolutionary Genetics, and Phylogenetic Analysis. Key topics: symbiont community dynamics, mitochondrial genomics, competitive interactions in coral ecosystems, and taxonomic relationships in Brachyura.

Active in international marine ecology collaborations. Contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to marine conservation and biodiversity.