Tidal Spray Crab

Plagusia depressa

The Tidal Spray Crab, known scientifically as Plagusia depressa, is a crustacean belonging to the family Plagusiidae. It is primarily found in the Western Atlantic, inhabiting the intertidal splash and spray zones. This species is adapted to life in various coastal environments, including fissures, crevices, corals, tidepools, jetties, and even on man-made structures like buoys, oil platforms, and ship hulls. Divers are most likely to encounter these crabs in shallow waters, as they are typically found at depths shallower than 10 meters. The Tidal Spray Crab exhibits typical decapod reproductive behavior, with a precopulatory courtship ritual involving olfactory and tactile cues. Mating usually involves indirect sperm transfer. An encounter with the Tidal Spray Crab during a dive can be an interesting experience, as these crabs are often found in crevices and other sheltered areas. They are not evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.