The Florida lady crab typically refers to the Ovalipes floridanus, a species of swimming crab found in the western Atlantic, especially around Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Here's a quick overview:

🦀 Florida Lady Crab (Ovalipes floridanus) – Quick Facts

• Family: Portunidae (the swimming crabs)

• Appearance:

  • Oval, flattened body

  • Purplish-brown or mottled tan shell

  • Often has distinctive dark spots or markings

  • Rear legs are flattened into paddles, perfect for swimming

• Habitat:

  • Shallow waters

  • Sandy or muddy bottoms, often near the shore

  • Buries itself in the sand when threatened

• Behavior:

  • Nocturnal

  • Swims quickly and can be aggressive when handled

  • Specimens are 5"