Grapsus grapsus

Animals Kingdom (Animalia)

• Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

• Crustaceans (Subphylum Crustacea)

• Typical Crustaceans (Superclass Multicrustacea)

• Malacostracans (Class Malacostraca)

• Decapods, Isopods, and Allies (Subclass Eumalacostraca)

• Decapods and Krill (Superorder Eucarida)

• Decapods (Order Decapoda)

• Crabs, Lobsters, Shrimps, and Allies (Suborder Pleocyemata)

The Sally Lightfoot Crab, Grapsus grapsus, is one of several crabs that are commonly referred to as “Sally Lightfoots.” They are members of the Grapsidae Family and known in Mexico as abuente negro. They inhabit all coastal rock formations and have a unique ability to hang on the rocks when bombarded by large crashing waves. Sally Lightfoots feed on algae, dead fish, dead birds, and dead seals, and they have limited value other than they are a premiere fresh cut bait for which they are highly esteemed by local surf fishermen.