It differs from related species by having just two large spines on the antennular plate, just in front of the carapace, and the exopod of the third feeding appendage is reduced and bears no flagellum.

Crustaceans formed part of the diet as did the green alga Caulerpa racemosa which is common in the study area.

Another item consumed was calcareous algae scraped off the rock surface and this is likely to be an important source of calcium for the formation of the hard shell.

A late-stage phyllosoma larva taken in mid-ocean has been shown by mitochondrial DNA analysis to belong to this species.

It is harvested in most of the areas in which it is found and in Saint Helena and the Cape Verde Islands is fished commercially.