California Biota Home Page....Animals....Arthropoda

Pachygrapsus crassipes

This crab is approximately 6 cm wide and is the most abundant in the high tide zone.  It can be identified by the two teeth on the outer margin of the carapace.  Its color is reddish-purple with green and black lines on the dorsal surface of the carapace.  Upon approaching it moves and hides in crevices.