Cryptic kelp crab

Pugettia richii
Where at Shedd?
Oceans Polar Play Zone
Diet Algae, organic material, small invertebrates
Size Carapace: 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm)
Type Crustaceans
Range East Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to northern Mexico
Habitat Rocky tidal zones, kelp forests

About the Cryptic kelp crab

Abundant along the eastern Pacific coast, cryptic kelp crabs decorate themselves with small amounts of algae or invertebrates for camouflage.

Did you know?

  1. These decorator crabs are able to attach items to their head via little hairs that act like hooks.

  2. For protection, the cryptic kelp crab can change their colors to match the type of algae nearby.

  3. Part of the spider crab superfamily, the cryptic kelp crab's long legs are especially agile and help them climb kelp fronds at night.