Purple Shore CrabHemigrapsus nudus
 
Physical Characters
2 1/4" (57 mm) wide, 2" (51 mm) long with the Round-bodied. Upper surface of carapace purplish-black, sometimes reddish-brown or greenish-yellow; white beneath. Pincers covered with deep purple or red spots, purple or reddish above, fading to white below. Carapace oval-oblong, arched in front, smooth; 3 short teeth on margin between eye socket and side. Eyes far apart. Pincers large in male, equal, both fingers toothed, pincer tips bent toward each other, cup-shaped. Walking legs sturdy, flattened, not very hairy.
Habitat
On open rocky shores, among seaweeds, and in bays and estuaries.
Distribution
Alaska to Baja California.
Food
This crab feeds primarily on the film of small algae on rocks, but is also a scavenger of animal matter.
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