Red Rock Crab Sally Lightfoot

Description:

Adults, which have carapace widths of around 5-8 centimeters, are generally bright red, brown, or orange with various patterns, while young Sally Lightfoot crabs are darker-colored. Sally Lightfoot crabs spend most of their time hiding away in rock crevices, but when they come out to feed—primarily during low tide and during less sunny parts of the day they move with the remarkable agility and speed that give them their common name. While they feed, powerful waves often crash over them, but they are able to withstand these by flattening themselves against rocks and holding on tightly.

Habitat:

Tom Owens Caye on Belize Barrier Reef.