Size

Carapace Length: to 1.7cm (0.7") Carapace Width: to 1.4cm (0.6")

Recognition Characters

Carapace is covered with strong, transverse, ciliated rugae, scarcely interrupted at grooves separating well-marked regions. Rostrum is broad, triangular, and sinuous sided. Chelipeds are large, covered with strong, ciliated rugae continuing obliquely and almost unbroken across carpus and hand. Carpus is about twice as long as wide with 4-6 spines on interior margin and a row of spines on anterior margin. Walking legs are rugose, third leg larger than others, inflated.

Color

Banding pattern on dorsal side of carapace is a grayish green basal color with bands consisting of yellow tinged with brownish red. Brilliant/vibrant reddish purple color on underside of chelipeds with yellow banding pattern.

Habitat & Depth

Under stones and rocks associated with sponges, corals, and anemones. Sandy and shelly bottoms on deeper reefs. Shallow water to 54m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Rare. May be found in association with Oculina corals, tube dwelling anemones, or inside large sponges.

Geographic Range

Beaufort, North Carolina to Gulf of Mexico, West Indies to Brazil

Behavior & Notes

Synonyms

References

Williams 1984