[2] Subsequent surveys described their shield length as anywhere between 5 mm to 30 mm, and body weight of 100 mg to about 25 g.[3] They tend to be tan-brown in color, with dark brown stripes over the shield, and additional scattered dark colorations in ventral aspect of ocular peduncle as well as parts of second and third pereiopods (walking legs).

The geometry and coloration of the chela, or pincer, is distinct from C. rugosus: the inferior margin of the propodus is distally straight and proximally angulated, approximating an irregular pentagonal shape.

This is in contrast with C. rugosus, with convexly curved inferior margin of the propodus, forming a more rounded quadrangular shape.

[3][4] Similar to C. rugosus, they may seek refuge in fallen leaves under bushes, mangrove roots, algal deposits along the shoreline, under boulders and between rock crevices, and even taking advantage of anthropogenic constructs (such as tombs).

[4] C. pseudorugosus regularly participate in short range migration near the shoreline to forage and seek empty gastropod shells, at times exceeding 100 meters per day.