[1] The taxonomy in relations to the Pacific Gecarcinus quadratus is disputed, with many considering it and G. lateralis to be conspecific.

Another closely related species, Gecarcinus ruricola, occurs together with G. lateralis in the tropical western Atlantic, but its carapace is typically almost entirely blackish, dark maroon, purplish or yellowish.

The legs, claws and outer sections of the carapace are reddish, orange or whitish.

G. lateralis occurs along the dry zone of sandy beaches and nearby hills, around 6–9 metres (20–30 ft) above the highest high tide mark, where there is no standing water, but significant interstitial moisture.

Compared to most other crustaceans, its blood also has a higher oxygen carrying capacity.