It is found from Iceland to South Carolina at depths up to 2,600 ft (790 m), and reaches 133 mm (5.2 in) across the carapace.

This crab species occurs on the eastern coast of North America, from Iceland to South Carolina.

[1] Rock crabs live over a large depth range, from well above the low tide line to as deep as 2,600 feet (790 m).

[2] The two species can indeed be distinguished by the purplish-brown spots on the carapace of C. irroratus (contrasting with the yellow spots of C. borealis), and by the smooth edges to the teeth on the edge of the carapace (denticulate in C.

The name "peekytoe crab" refers to the fact that the legs are "picked" (a Maine colloquialism meaning "curved inward").