Punched Stone Crab

Ozius verreauxii

The Punched Stone Crab is a member of the crustacean family Oziidae and is found in the subtropical waters of the Southeast Pacific, particularly around the Galapagos Islands. This species is benthic, meaning it lives on the ocean floor, and is often found in rocky or reef environments. The Punched Stone Crab is part of the order Decapoda, which are primarily gonochoric, meaning individuals are either male or female. They exhibit a precopulatory courtship ritual that involves olfactory and tactile cues, and typically engage in indirect sperm transfer. This reproductive behavior is common among many decapod species. Divers encountering the Punched Stone Crab may find it to be a harmless creature. However, it is not considered a threat to humans and has no known human uses.