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Lithode Crab

Acantholithodes hispidus

Lithode Crab

Acantholithodes hispidus
Other Common Names
Spiny lithode crab, spiny lithodid crab, red fur crab, fuzzy crab, hairy spined crab
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Spiny lithode crab, spiny lithodid crab, red fur crab, fuzzy crab, hairy spined crab

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The lithode crab is named for the stiff dark red-brown, orange, and white hairs covering its body and legs. It has a heart or pear-shaped carapace covered in hairs that is flat on top widest past the midpoint.

Its eyes have orange corneas with a black dot atop small light brown eye-stalks with dark brown stripes. The claws are orange and the right claw is usually larger than the left one, and it has molar-like teeth on its claws.

Habitat

Intertidal to depths of 165m on sandy, muddy, or rocky substrate; often found on vertical rock walls

Diet

Shrimp

Life History

This crab starts life in the plankton, passing through 4 zoeal stages and 1 megalops stage before settling to the bottom.

Males tend to be slightly larger. The carapace on males can reach 6.5cm across while the carapace of females can reach 5cm.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Is often pulled up from deepwater prawn traps
Range
Bering Sea to central California
On the Oregon Coast
Though usually subtidal, it is possible to see them in tidepools
Fun Facts
This is a type of king crab, with 8 legs visible.

Citations & Other Resources

  • E-Fauna BC site: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/efauna/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Acantholithodes%20hispidus
  • Invertebrates of the Salish Sea website: https://inverts.wallawalla.edu/Arthropoda/Crustacea/Malacostraca/Eumalacostraca/Eucarida/Decapoda/Anomura/Family_Lithodidae/Acantholithodes_hispidus.html
  • Hong, Sung Yun, et al. “Larval development of Acantholithodes hispidus (Stimpson)(Decapoda: Anomura: Lithodidae) reared in the laboratory.” Invertebrate reproduction & development 47.2 (2005): 101-110.
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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