The rostrum (the part of the carapace in front of the eyes) has two flattened projections which spread apart.

The colour of this crab varies, usually being brown, red or yellow, but sometimes being orange, pink, white or blue.

The chelae (claws) have blue extremities, with red, orange or white tips, and the walking legs often have pale bands.

Its typical habitat is among the fronds of kelp, or among the stems of eelgrass, both on exposed coasts and in more sheltered locations.

[2] Pugettia gracilis relies on the kelp among which it lives for food and for protection from predators.