The carapace has a smooth or faintly grainy texture, and it is roughly oval and slightly flattened. It frequently has a noticeable elevated section or central ridge and is wider than long. Wide as it is long, with a somewhat shaggy tomentum. The inner margin of the dactyl of the second and third pereiopods has 16-20 small spines, forming a tridentate rostrum. Its usual hue ranges from brown to reddish-brown, and it has mottling patterns that help it blend in with the stony or coral environments of its natural home. Strong and typically asymmetrical, the chelipeds have a single claw. The comparatively long and narrow walking legs are designed to enable mobility on rocky and coral soils. The tiny eyes are protected from the elements by being brought into the orbits using short, retractable stalks. The short antennae are situated in the space between the eyes. The abdomen is clearly segmented, small, and snugly folded beneath the thorax.