Red nippers are small crabs growing up to 30 mm in width. They vary in colour from dark red to pale pink, but all have hairy legs and large blue eyes.

Like all nipper crabs, red nippers are air breathers but must keep their respiratory structures moist at all times.

Red nippers live up to five metres above sea level. Concealing themselves in crevices and overhangs, they are rarely seen during the day but come out at night to forage on the beach.