Forest, 1978
Description:
Carapace appreciably narrowed anteriorly, frontal region produced as a tapering bifid rostrum, horizontal or slightly deflected ventrally and slightly convex extending almost to distal end of fifth peduncular segment of antenna, carapace surface with numerous hooksetae prominent on rostrum, regions swollen and with tubercles; a spine or spinule (some-times very minute) usually present between subhepatic swelling and basal segments of antennal peduncle; second and third peduncular segments of antenna slender and with ventral spines; eyestalks totally visible from dorsal aspect. Second to fifth pereiopods very thin, merus of second shorter than length of carapace and rostrum, dactylus of fourth and fifth pairs short and curved, spines on inner margin of dactylus of fifth small but conspicuous and extending whole length of margin, a large spine sometimes present near lower distal extremity of dactylus. Chelipeds with distal extremities of carpus and merus produced and sometimes spinose.
Female chelipeds slender. Male chelipeds stout, propodus inflated, a prominent 'gape' between inner margin of propodal prolongation and dactylus.
Size:
Carapace length up to 27 mm.
Habitat:
Depth range from 20 to 90 metres, on sandy and weedy ground. Ovigerous crabs and larvae throughout year.
Colour:
Carapace greyish-brown, young specimens pink, striped with yellow.
Distribution:
Wight, Channel Isles, Plymouth, Anglesey, Isle of Man, Galway Bay.