Distinguishing Characteristics |
Carapace squarish; lateral sides straight with no lateral teeth; color brown with some darker markings; claws with white fingers, brown on upper surface of movable finger, tips of both fingers dark; surface of outer mouth part with oblique hairy ridge; no tooth behind the outer eye tooth; fourth walking leg with black spines on upper and lower surfaces; male claws grow larger than female claws; small tubercles (bumps) on upper surface of movable finger; |
Similar Species |
The mangrove marsh crab (Sesarma curacaoense) and the purple marsh crab (S. reticulatum) have a tooth behind the outer orbital tooth. The humic marsh crab (A. ricordi) is orange to reddish brown and lacks the bumps on the upper movable finger. |
Habitat |
Bay, intertidal or above tidal zone, rocks and marshes, sandy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
2 1/2 cm (1 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Sesarma cinereum |
Comments |
Squareback marsh crabs live in a marine environment but do not require seawater to survive, making them true terrestrial crabs. They still need a source of water, though, for oxygen exchange across its gills. |