It lives in shallow water in the western Atlantic Ocean from the Chesapeake Bay to the Dominican Republic.

Hepatus epheliticus grows to 3 inches (76 mm) across the carapace,[2] which is covered in large patches of red color, which may join up into lines or other patterns.

[4] The range of H. epheliticus extends from the Chesapeake Bay southwards, including the whole of the Gulf of Mexico, and as far south as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

[3] It often carries the sea anemone Calliactis tricolor on its back,[5] or lies buried in the sand, with only its eyes exposed.

[6] Reproduction occurs in summer, as shown by the occurrence of "berried" (egg-bearing) females.