Introduction
Shore Crabs of the family Grapsidae are found throughout tropical and temperate regions of the world and are primarily an intertidal marine group. A few species also occur in the supralittoral zone, intertidally in mangrove estuaries or on driftwood in the pelagic zone. Although the family once included the Sesarmidae, Varunidae and Plagusiidae as subfamilies, it is now restricted to 7 genera and approx. 40 species. — John W. Short, 2026
Diagnosis
Carapace circular; anterolateral margin slightly convex, armed with 1–2 teeth; pterygostomial and subhepatic regions not covered in reticulated network of short, hooked setae; third maxillipeds leaving rhomboidal gap when closed, merus and ischium without oblique setose crest; legs long and flattened, not paddle-like, dactyls with distinct spines; male abdomen typically with 7 free segments; male and female genital openings sternal. — John W. Short, 2026
