(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description:
Carapace much broader than long, quadrangular, strongly convex longitudinally and smooth; frontal region truncate, strongly deflected downward; margins of orbital region one third or more carapace width. Antero-lateral margins of carapace with first pair of teeth prominent and often acute, a smaller posteriorly placed pair often developed. Eyes long. Pereiopods long and thin, margins of propodus and dactylus setose. Female chelipeds short, length of merus about half carapace length, propodus and dactylus somewhat compressed. Male chelipeds long, merus considerably longer than carapace length, propodus and merus sub-cylindrical.
Size:
Carapace length up to 15 (27) mm.
Habitat:
Depth range from lower shore to 100 metres, in mud and sandy mud. Ovigerous April-August, larvae August-October.
Colour:
Carapace yellowish to pale red, sometimes tinged with violet; chelipeds and pereiopods yellow to orange.
Distribution: