turtle crab (Cryptolithodes sitchensis). Photos b y Laura Verhegge 

Appearance: Cryptolithodes sitchensis range from bright red or orange to gray and even white colors. The average size of an adult turtle crab is 90mm (3.6in). A distinctive characteristic of the crab is that its legs are completely covered by its shell.

Distribution: The turtle crab can be found from Sitka, Alaska along the coast to Point Lowa, California,
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea
Class Malacostraca
Order Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Family: Lithodidae
Superfamily: Paguroidea
Genus Cryptolithodes
Species sitchensis
Common Name:Turtle Crab or Umbrella Crab

Where at Race Rocks? This species can be found at Race Rocks and on Rosedale Reef. In the summer of 1997, Donna Gibbs had noted specimens of Cryptolithodes sitchensis. in her inventory.

Habitat: This particular type of crab is usually found on bedrock from the low intertidal zone to 17m (56ft), in semi-protected area on or near the outer coast. Furthermore, the turtle crab rarely leaves its home.

Feeding: While on bedrock, the turtle crab grazes and feeds on sessile organisms, particularly algae.

Reproduction: The turtle crab reproduces sexually, using the molting cycle. There are six stages in the development of the turtle crab: Eggs, Prezoea, Zoea, Megalops, Juvenile Instar, Adult Crab.

Interesting Adaptation: Its distinctive shell allows it to camouflage itself into its surroundings. It is often mistaken for an old clam shell or patch or coralline algae.

Other Members of the Phylum Arthropoda at Race Rocks

Return to the Race Rocks Taxonomy and Image File

The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. AJ (PC year30)