The body of a horseshoe crab is divided into three parts: the prosoma, opisthosoma and telson, or tail. The prosoma is the front, semicircular part and the opisthosoma, which protects the gills, is attached to the prosoma with a hinge. The top of the shell has ridges and spines. Seven pairs of leg-like appendages are found under the shell.
Calico Crab
A walking crab with a nearly round carapace that is covered in red and white splotches. The claws are broad and shaped so that they can cover the crab’s “face.”
Common Spider Crab
A round, spiny, brown/yellow crab with white-tipped claws. The carapace is covered in Velcro-like hairs which attract algae, bryozoa, and debris that juvenile crabs use for camouflage.
Fiddler Crab
A small, square-shaped crab. Males have one claw greatly enlarged; females have claws of equal size.
Ghost Crab
A pale, sand-colored crab with white claws and a square shell. Hairy legs and large, stalked eyes.
Long-Wristed Hermit Crab
Gray or green/white body and tan/gray stripe down the middle of each claw. Claws are cylindrical with the right larger than the left.
Purse Crab
A small crab with a round, globular shell that is pale yellow with red/purple irregular markings.
Speckled Crab
A small swimming crab with a brown/maroon carapace covered in yellow spots.
Striped Hermit Crab
A large hermit crab with green and white longitudinal stripes on the legs. Claws are orange and of equal size.