Size
Carapace length: to 3.5cm (1.4") Carapace width: to 7.5cm (3")
Recognition Characters
Carapace is twice as wide as long, pubescent, and with naked transverse ridges, 2 of which arise from lateral spines and arch toward gastric region. Eight frontal teeth including 2 more advanced than lateral pair. Rostrum indented with 4 forward projecting spines. Chelipeds long, slender (especially in males). Merus with 4-7 spines in front and 1 behind at distal end.
Color
Brownish red, transverse ridges on carapace, spines and margins of chelipeds are carmine red. Front sides of legs brilliantly iridescent.
Habitat & Depth
Muddy and sandy bottoms offshore. Also bays and estuaries. To 393m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Common. Usually found swimming in open ocean. Occasionally encounter on reef under Sargassum or seaweeds.
Geographic Range
Massachusetts south to the Gulf of Mexico. West Indies
Behavior & Notes
Synonyms
Williams 1984