Spotted Porcelain Crab

Porcellana sayana

The Spotted Porcelain Crab, Porcellana sayana, is a small crustacean native to the western Atlantic Ocean. It is easily recognizable by its red coloration adorned with numerous white spots. A distinctive feature of this species is the bulge behind each of its claws. The crab measures up to 13 millimeters in length, making it a modest yet intriguing find for divers. This species inhabits shallow waters, commonly found at depths ranging from the surface to 92 meters, although most occurrences are shallower than 70 meters. It thrives among rocks and oyster shells and often forms a commensal relationship with hermit crabs like Pagurus pollicaris and Petrochirus diogenes. The Spotted Porcelain Crab is a filter feeder, using a fringe of setae along the front of its claws to capture plankton from the water. Divers encountering this crab may find it nestled among rocks or shells, often in the company of hermit crabs. Observing its interaction with hermit crabs can be a unique experience for underwater enthusiasts.