Globose Sand Crab

Randallia ornata

The globose sand crab, also known as the purple globe crab, is a species of true crab belonging to the family Leucosiidae. Divers can find this species in the Eastern Pacific, ranging from the USA to Mexico. These crabs inhabit soft sandy bottoms in subtropical regions, typically within the intertidal zone down to depths of 21 meters. During the day, they remain buried in the sand, emerging at night to feed, which makes daytime encounters less likely. Globose sand crabs are small, with males reaching up to 5.0 cm in carapace width. They are characterized by their rounded, globular shape, which distinguishes them from other crab species. Their nocturnal behavior and preference for sandy habitats make them well-adapted to a life of burrowing and feeding on the ocean floor. Reproductive behaviors in this species involve a precopulatory courtship ritual, utilizing olfactory and tactile cues, and indirect sperm transfer. As members of the order Decapoda, they are mostly gonochoric, meaning individuals are either male or female.