Almost always decorated by algae, sponges, hydroids, and other invertebrates, the graceful decorator crab, Oregonia gracilis, can be found intertidally and subtidal to 436 m, on mixed bottom types. In the family Oregoniidae, this crab is found from the Bering Sea to Monterey Bay, California, and also in Japan. Carapace length is to 39 mm (1.5 in.)

Scientific name: Greek orego (to stretch, reach) and ia (quality or state of being); and Latingracilis (slender, thin, simple).

Digital photo by Jan Haaga. References (a complete list) in the text include: Jensen (1995), Williams et al. (1988), Barr (1983), or Hart (1982).

Return Aquarium crab