This is the 7-11 crab, known here in Hawaii as alakuma, or by the latin name Carpilius maculatus, which means spotted.

It is distinguishable by the 7 red spots towards the front. There are 2 spots above each eye and 3 spots in the center of the shell or carapace. There are 4 less noticable spots along the back edge of the crab’s shell. Making it a total of 11 spots. The number of spots have been known to vary, but for the most part it is recognized as the 7-11 crab.

This crab can grow to be pretty sizable. In fact, it can grow up to 6 inches. Mostly, the 7-11 crab is nocturnal, hiding in the reef during the day and foraging at night. It eats molluscs and marine snails that they are able to crush with their giant chela or claw. They will attack the legs and small claws of their prey before crushing their shells and eating the animal.

The local legend says that a hungry god once believed this crab would make a delicious meal. However, when he tried to grab it the crab was fiesty and fought back by pinching the god. This drew blood from the god, but he was persistant. After a few more grabs and a few more pinches, he got his crab….lol. The legend states the 7-11 crab now wears the bloody prints of that god.

This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.

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