Crabs of Christmas Island

The smallest of the three nippers with a carapace width of up to 30 mm. Carapace colour varies from dark red/orange to pale pink. Pale colouration is typical of juveniles. The flattish carapace, hairy legs and prominent hazy blue eyes are distinguishing features.

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Found in the Intertidal zone to 5 metres above sea level. On cliffs, but always well concealed under overhangs or in crevices. They withdraw during the day and are rarely seen, emerging at night to forage.