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Sheep crab

Loxorhynchus grandis

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Fun Facts

Juvenile sheep crabs cover their bodies with barnacles, algae and marine debris to protect themselves from predators.

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Sheep crab

Size:

The sheep crab's carapace, or body section, can grow up to 9.6 inches (24.4 centimeters) wide.

Diet:

A sheep crab's diet consists of living and deceased bottom dwelling organisms like shrimp, worms and clams.

Range & Habitat:

Sheep crabs often inhabit reefs and pilings in Pacific waters from Point Reyes, California, to Baja California, Mexico.

Details:

Sheep crabs have reddish, bumpy bodies with light blue highlights on the claws, legs and facial horns. As they grow, they molt (shed) their hard covering, the “exoskeleton,” and regrow a bigger one.