Distinguishing Characteristics |
Carapace broader than long, compressed; color olive green to brown dorsally, yellowish to white underneath; legs olive, bluish or brown; claws are long, palms with blue and white coloration, fingers blue in adult males, violet blue in adult females, juveniles with white fingers with blue spot at base of fingers; last pair of legs flattened into paddle-shaped appendages; 9 pair of spines (including the outer orbital spines) along the lateral edges of the carapace, the most posterior pair (called the lateral spines) being the longest; 6 low blunt spines between the ocular orbits (eye sockets), including the inner orbital spines, the center pair of spines very small; spines on the inner margins of merus (2 segments from claws) and outer carpus (segment next to claw), no spine on inner dorsal carpus. |
Similar Species |
The blue crabs look similar, but have 4 low teeth between the ocular orbits, and juveniles have a reddish spot at base of fingers. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
12 cm (4 3/4 in) carapace width |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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