Cryptolithodes J. F. Brandt 1848

Cryptolithodes sitchensis.

Photographed at 20 m. depth. The species is well camouflaged and often difficult to detect. Its carapace completely covers the legs.

Cryptolithodes sitchensis rostrum is widest at the tip

Cryptolithodes sitchensis underside. Note that the propodus of the chela is smooth, and that the abdominal plates do not have raised margins. The underside of the carapace is nearly always white. Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2001

Cryptolithodes sitchensis from 15 m depth, Sares Head (Photo by: Dave Cowles, 2001)

This species has a rostrum widest at the base, which helps distinguish this species from Cryptolithodes sitchensis. Note eyestalks projecting at the base of the rostrum. Photo by Dave Cowles, 2001

Here is the whole individual photographed above. Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2001

Cryptolithodes typicus can stretch its claws out from under the carapace. Photo by Dave Cowles, 1997

Underside of Cryptolithodes typicus. Note ridges lining the edges of abdominal segments, and the roughness of the propodus on the chela. Photo by Dave Cowles, 1997 Note also that the chela (claw) is quite blunt.

Cryptolithodes typicus from Sares Head (subtidal). (Photo by: Dave Cowles, July 1997)