Pachygrapsus crassipes
Pachygrapsus crassipes is a grapsid crab native to tidepools and mudflats of the Pacific Coast. Also known as the Striped Shore Crab or Lined Shore Crab, the crab is often seen scraping algae off of rocks during low tide. During high tide, the crab finds shelter between crevices and rocks.
Diet[edit]
The Striped Shore Crab mainly feeds on algae, but also scavenges dead animals such as limpets. Occasionally, the crabs may feed on each other.
Description[edit]
Striped Shore Crabs are small; ranging between 2 inches in males and 1.5 inches in females. The crab is somewhat flattened, with two equal pincers and eight flattened legs. The shell is black with light purple, green or brown spots.
Molting[edit]
Like other crustaceans, Striped Shore Crabs molt, or shed their shell. Crabs that are molting will usually be tinted red, and look somewhat larger and fatter. When the crab molts, it carefully pushes itself out of it's exoskeleton and consumes it after it's done. The first few days after molting are stressful because they are targeted by predators because of their soft shell. Each time the crab molts, it gets bigger. Crabs molt once or twice per month.
Lifespan[edit]
The average lifespan is 1-3 years, but can be extended in captivity.
Predators[edit]
The crabs' predators include raccoons, gulls, fish, bigger crabs and humans.