Gulf grassflat crab

Dyspanopeus texanus

Family Panopeidae - Mud crabs

Distinguishing
Characteristics
Carapace oval anteriorly, posterior lateral sides straight to slightly concave, slightly convex posteriorly, body wider than long; color brownish gray on carapace with dark blotches and small spots, palms of claws pale, fingers light brown with white tips; last legs regular, not flattened; 5 spines on anterior lateral edges of carapace; claws unequal in size; major claw with distinct teeth, no single enlarged tooth on movable finger; teeth on minor claw small; carapace finely granular; interorbital with small notch.
Similar Species
This crab has no real distinctive features. It lacks a single enlarged tooth on the major claw; no red spot under outer mouth part; no scooped-out finger in minor claw; no groove on front margin between eyes; no groove on outer surface of carpus.
Habitat
Bay, especially on microalgae and seagrasses
Maximum Size
2.5 cm (1 in) carapace width
Other Common Names
Previous Scientific Names
D. texana, Neopanopeus texana
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