Velvet Swimming Crab

The velvet swimming crab is a striking crustacean with a deep reddish-brown carapace covered in fine, velvety hair—the source of its distinctive name. Found across north-western European waters, it inhabits rocky reefs and seagrass beds from the shallows to around 60 metres. Look for its bright red eyes and the paddle-like hind legs adapted for swimming. Despite its elegant appearance, it is a fierce predator and scavenger, and will defend itself aggressively when threatened.