Leach, 1817
Description:
Carapace appreciably narrowed anteriorly, surface and limbs with numerous small hook-setae often covered with encrusting growths of epifauna, frontal region produced into a narrow U-shaped, acute rostrum, each protogastric region with a tubercle; second and third peduncular segments of antenna slender; eyestalks totally visible in dorsal aspect. Second pereiopods thicker and longer than others. Female chelipeds small.
Male chelipeds much larger than in female, propodus long and slightly inflated, a truncate process sometimes present on inner margin of dactylus; sternum with a conspicuous tubercle.
Size:
Carapace length up to 21 (30) mm.
Habitat:
Depth range from lower shore (low water springtide) to about 165 metres on stone and shell substrates, less frequently on muddy sand; also on Modiolus beds to, Reported in Area from. Ovigerous crabs and larvae throughout year.
Colour:
Carapace greyish or yellowish brown, chelipeds and pereiopods lighter.
Distribution:
Shetland, Sutherland, Viking, Orkney, Aberdeen, East Channel, Wight, Portland, Channel Isles, Plymouth, Bristol Channel, Isle of Man, Belfast, Clyde & Argyll, Galway Bay, Fastnet.