This study aims to assess the distribution patterns of porcellanid crabs in the intertidal zone of Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, identifying the abiotic determinants. Samples were collected seasonally (dry and rainy seasons) from January 2005 to August 2007, during low tides in external, intermediate and internal sectors. The crabs were hand caught in consolidated substrates with sampling effort of two people in three different flood zones (lower, medium and higher) for 30 min. Water temperature, salinity, accumulated rainfall, the physical and chemical variables of sediment were analyzed concerning interaction in the distribution patterns of the species. A total of 3,389 crabs, belonging to five genera and eight species, were obtained. With the exception of Petrolisthes armatus, found throughout the intertidal range, all species inhabited the intertidal bottom of Sepetiba Bay exclusively. Favorable environmental conditions of the Sepetiba Bay enabled the success of colonization of several porcellanid species which are a refuge and feeding environment of the Marambaia Island and continental (Junqueira and Ibicuí) of the outer zone. The number of species recorded in this study supporting the hypothesis that features of substratum and the availability of food and refuges are factors limiting the establishment of this family in Sepetiba Bay.