Florent's Guide To The Florida, Bahamas &

Caribbean Reefs

Cryptic Teardrop Crab
Pelia mutica
Cryptic Teardrop Crab
Category: Imitator Crabs
Scientific Name: Pelia mutica
Size: Up to 0.75 in. (1.8 cm)  
Depth: 20-130 ft. (6-40 m)
Distribution: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean
Arthropoda (Phylum)
└Crustacea (Subphylum)
 └Malacostraca (Class)
  └Eumalacostraca (Subclass)
   └Decapoda (Order)
    └Pleocyemata (Suborder)
     └Brachyura (Infraorder)
      └Epialtidae (Family)
       └Pisinae (Subfamily)
        └Pelia (Genus)

Crustaceans
Imitator Crabs

Cryptic Teardrop Crab

Southern Teardrop Crab

Spongy Decorator Crab



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© 2025 Florent Charpin