Velvet Swimming Crab Necora puber
This crab is the second largest crab on the Norfolk coast. It has a bristly coating and a dark blue/black underlying shell. The best place to spot one is under water.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Not threatened
How to help
The marine environment is under pressure and by supporting campaigns for better protection of marine ecosystems we can help the velvet swimming crab and other marine invertebrates.
Dawn Watson
Information on the Velvet Swimming Crab
How to recognise
The velvet swimming crab can grow up to 18cm across and is the second largest crab to occur on the Norfolk coast. Its bristly coating tends to collect silty sediment but its underlying shell or carapace is dark blue/black. The rear pair of its eight legs are flattened like paddles allowing it to swim - though it rarely does.
Where to see
The best place to find live velvet swimming crabs is underwater, they are often too large to remain in rock pools. Velvet swimming crab shells are occasionally washed up on beaches; these may be dead animals or the carapace which is shed to allow the crab to grow. The small crabs which appear around piers and sea defences are often shore or harbour crabs but velvet swimming crabs may appear in these places. Divers and snorkelers can expect to see these crabs at all depths.
When to see
They can be seen all year round.
Did you know?
This can be an aggressive crab preferring to raise its claws at any threat, even humans, rather than run away. This feisty behaviour and its bright red eyes are unique to this crab. Most crabs are scavengers and not at all fussy about what they eat. They will eat any suitable food they find, alive or dead.
Related questions
There are no questions regarding this species, perhaps you should ask us one?