Sally Lightfoot Crab
February 19, 2015
Photographer: David K. Lynch
Summary Author: David K. Lynch
This flamboyantly colored crustacean, known as Sally Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus grapsus), is mostly found along Pacific coasts from Mexico to Chile and the Galapagos Islands -- where the specimen above was photographed. The name comes from their quickness and agility. So the story goes, a beautiful Caribbean dancer who dressed skimpily in colorful yellow, red and blue was so nimble that even the most eager admirer couldn't get close enough to touch her. Another version is that Sally was a charming Scottish barmaid who was much admired but never caught. Either way the name is apropos: getting close to one is almost impossible. Fully grown, Sally is about 6-8 in (15-20 cm) wide with legs fully extended. Babies are black and especially well camouflaged where coasts are composed of dark, basaltic rock. Photo taken on February 9, 2013.
Photo details: Camera Model: PENTAX K-x; Lens: smc PENTAX-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF]; Focal Length: 250mm (35mm equivalent: 375mm); Aperture: ƒ/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.017 s (1/60); ISO equiv: 200.