Size
Carapace Length: to 3.2cm (1.25") Carapace Width: to 4.4cm (1.75")
Recognition Characters
Carapace is broad, somewhat oval in shape, and flattened. Front of carapace is little advanced with V-shaped notch. Anterolateral margins with 5 teeth. The last 2 or 3 well developed, sharp, and curved forward. Areas around and margins in between teeth granulate. Chelipeds are unequal, with upper surfaces granulate and tuberculate. Carpus with sharp internal spine, sometimes doubled. Carpus covered with many, irregular granulate rugae above. Walking legs covered with stout hairs. Outer margins of legs spiny. Legs end with sharp, pointy dactyl.
Color
Orange, salmon, or red. Fingers of claws are strongly black.
Habitat & Depth
Primarily inhabit rock and other hardbottoms with fouling growth of sponges, tunicates, and bryozoans. Sometimes on sand. 7.3 to 82m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Common. Can be found in association with a variety of sponges and tunicates. Crab is reclusive and usually remains inside of host organism.
Geographic Range
North Carolina south to Florida. Gulf of Mexico to Texas
Behavior & Notes
Sculpturing on the dorsal sides of carapace and chelipeds can vary with locality.
Synonyms
Williams 1984