Velvet Swimming Crab

What do they look like?

A medium-sized crab with vivid red eyes, dark blue stripes on its legs and a blue tint to the tips of its claws. The short, soft hairs that cover the velvet swimming crab’s body make it appear velvety, hence its name. The flattened hindmost limbs act like paddles for swimming and its carapace (shell) can range from brown or green to orange in colour.

Where can I find them in Scotland?

Found all along the coasts of Britain and Ireland but most common on rocky habitats and reasonably sheltered shores down to 80 meters or more below the waves.