Petrolisthes eriomerus

The Porcelain Crab

Phylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea
Class Malacostraca
Subclass Eumalacostraca
Order Decapoda
Suborder Pleocymata
Infraorder Anomura
Family Porcellanidae
Genus Petrolithes
Species eriomerus

Description: Up to 2 cm; carapace is bluish-gray or reddish brown; round body; large flattened claws; widely spaced, long second antennae are lateral to the eyes; small, nonfunctional fifth pair of legs are tucked under body.

Habitat: Commonly found under rocks on rocky beaches.

Natural History: If picked up, this crab has a special mechanism for shedding a leg or claw if it is trapped. It quickly regenerates the missing part. This crab was often found at Boston Harbor Marina.