Velvet Swimming Crab
Necora puber
Sighting evidence at Kilkee Sea Caves, Ireland
These aggressive, red-eyed crabs are ubiquitous in Kilkee's rocky shallows, occupying every crevice and cave entrance and displaying their distinctive velvety carapaces and paddle-like rear legs. They are highly territorial and will rear up to challenge approaching divers, making them one of the most entertaining macro subjects on Irish reefs. Their predatory habits help control mussel and barnacle populations on exposed rock faces.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Velvet Swimming Crab is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.