Carapace much broader than long, quadrangular, strongly convex
longitudinally and smooth; frontal region truncate, strongly
deflected downward; margins of orbital region one third or more
carapace width. Antero-lateral margins of carapace with first
pair of teeth prominent and often acute, a smaller posteriorly
placed pair often developed. Eyes long. Pereiopods long and
thin, margins of propodus and dactylus setose. Female chelipeds
short, length of merus about half carapace length, propodus and
dactylus somewhat compressed. Male chelipeds long, merus
considerably longer than carapace length, propodus and merus
sub-cylindrical. Carapace length up to 15 (27) mm. Depth range
from lower shore to 100 metres, in mud and sandy mud. Ovigerous
April-August, larvae August-October. Carapace yellowish to pale
red, sometimes tinged with violet; chelipeds and pereiopods
yellow to orange.