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Red rock crab

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Fun Facts

When female red rock crabs shed their shells, the males will guard them for weeks on end until their new shell has hardened. 

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Red rock crab

Size:

The red rock crab's carapace, or body section, can grow up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide.

Diet:

Red rock crabs eat barnacles, smaller crabs, sea cucumbers, dead fish and invertebrates.

Range & Habitat:

Red rock crabs can be found in estuaries, rocky and soft bottom habitats in the Gulf of Mexico and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Details:

Red rock crabs have thick shells and strong black-tipped claws. As their name suggests, red rock crabs are red in color with highlights of orange on their two claws and eight legs.