The carapace has a distinctive design that mimics a human face-more especially, the face of a samurai warrior and is comparatively small, measuring an average of 3-4 cm in width. Usually, a mottled gray or brown color aids in concealment in their native environment. The dorsal portion of the large, rather trapezoidal carapace is convex. Numerous noticeable spines are present on the carapace, particularly toward the lateral margins. The claws are not as strong and large as those of certain other crab species. The legs are designed to walk along the seafloor and are somewhat narrow. They lack paddle-like legs, in contrast to swimming crabs. The eyes are situated in front of the carapace on short stalks.