This is a species of crab we have never seen before although considering its cryptic shape and behavior, we could easily be overlooking them. Covered with sand and algae, even the eyes are difficult to distinguish. Plus it bears a "hooded" extension of the carapace that covers the mouth parts like no other crab we have ever seen. It also rolled into a small ball with legs curled underneath but even when the legs were extended, it was hard to recognize as a crab. 20mm
27 February 2012