Size

Carapace Width: 9cm (3.75") Carapace Length: 5-6cm (2.25")

Recognition Characters

Carapace is somewhat hexagonal in shape and wider than long. Anterolateral spines are unequal in size; alternating large and small. Usually 9 on each side after eye.

Color

Primarily violet red to deep purple red mixed with some white or tan marbling. Legs appear striped. Extremity of all spines is black.

Habitat & Depth

Inhabit a variety of bottom types, especially hard, rocky or coralline bottoms, ledges with rocky rubble or rocky outcrops.

Distribution at GRNMS

Common. Specimens have been collected in fish trap but can also be found buried under shell fragments or sand around reef.

Geographic Range

North to New Jersey and south to Brazil. Also reported from Western Africa and Eastern Pacific

Behavior & Notes

Synonyms

References

Williams 1984