Spiny Lithode Crab

Acantholithodes hispidus

The Spiny Lithode Crab (Acantholithodes hispidus) is species of the infraorder Anomura and as such not a true "Crab" (Brachyura), but rather closer related to Hermit Crabs and the like.
A Spiny Lithode Crab, Acantholithodes hispidus One reason why there were not many prawns in this trap! Not what I was hoping for. This crab is not an unusual bycatch of prawn fishermen. Please see, https://www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/spiny-lithode-crab-bull-acantholithodes-hispidus.html The crab was brought up from a depth of ~122 meters. Hopefully it made it safely back home. Acantholithodes hispidus,Canada,Geotagged,Hairy Spined Crab,Red Fur Crab,Spiny Lithode Crab,Summer

Appearance

As the common name suggests it has a rather spiny appearance. It even has spines on its rostrum that other similar looking species (such as Hapalogaster spp) are lacking.

Distribution

Acantholithodes hispidus is known from the Bering Sea to central California, but very much scarcer in more southern parts of its known range.

Behavior

This species feeds on shrimp and is known to enter shrimp traps

Habitat

The known depth Range for the Spiny Lithode Crab is from intertidal to about 164m, but it is usually encountered subtidal on sandy, muddy, or rocky substrate with seemingly a preference for vertical rock walls.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassMalacostraca
OrderDecapoda
FamilyHapalogastridae
GenusAcantholithodes
SpeciesAcantholithodes hispidus
Photographed in
Canada