[2] It is native to the western Atlantic Ocean and is often found in estuaries and lagoons, commonly living in close association with oysters.

[2] The flatback mud crab is found in the sub-tropical and temperate waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.

Its range extends from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas, the Caribbean Sea, Bermuda, the Dutch West Indies and Uruguay.

[2] This crab has an omnivorous diet which includes algae, detritus, oyster spats, polychaete worms, sponges, amphipods and other small crustaceans.

When fully submerged it moves about on the substrate but when exposed by the retreating tide it conceals itself, being particularly associated with beds of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica).