Oregonia gracilis

The Graceful Decorator Crab

Phylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea
Class Malacostraca
Subclass Eumalacostraca
Order Decapoda
Suborder Pleocymata
Infraorder Brachyura
Family Inachidae
Genus Oregonia
Species gracilis

Description: Carapace width is 3.9 cm; light tan in color; carapace is almost triangular; two long, parallel rostral horns; following each eye are two long curved spines; carapace, claws and legs covered by hooked setae; walking legs are long and thin; sponges, hydroids and bryzoans of the same color found on carapace and legs.

Habitat: Found on pilings and in shallow water.

Natural History: They are fairly passive and are usually unable to defend themselves. This decorator crab was found occasionally at Boston Harbor.