top of page

Infra-order Brachyura, Family Grapsidae

Red nipper | Geograpsus stormi  De Man, 1895

Christmas island crabs, red nipper, geograpsus stormi, Christmas Island, Max Orchard

The smallest of the three nippers with a carapace width of up to 30 mm. Carapace colour varies from dark red/orange to pale pink. Pale colouration is typical of juveniles. The flattish carapace, hairy legs and prominent hazy blue eyes are distinguishing features.

Found in the Intertidal zone to 5 metres above sea level. On cliffs, but always well concealed under overhangs or in crevices. They withdraw during the day and are rarely seen, emerging at night to forage.

Read more about Christmas Island's red nipper crabs in the book

"Crabs of Christmas Island" by Max Orchard

Red nipper, crab, Christmas Island

Red nipper

bottom of page