Distinguishing Characteristics |
Carapace round, narrowing at the anterior end into an extended, slightly forked rostrum (extended snout); color brown; body tubercled with spines and bumps; row of 7 or less (usually 6) spines down the center of the carapace; thin walking legs; tips of legs with curved points; claws small. |
Similar Species |
It's difficult to distinguish between the portly and the longnose spider crabs, except by counting the spines (bumps) down the center of the carapace. The portly has 8-9 (the anterior one just small bumps) and the longnose has less than 7 (usually 6).The longnose has a more tear-drop shape, the portly more rounded. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, seagrass beds, sandy muddy bottoms, attaches to jellyfishes |
Maximum Size |
10 cm (4 in) carapace width |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |