Sea Shorts: Introducing the velvet swimming crab

Say hi to the velvet swimming crab (Necora puber) ! Found along the coastline of the UK (this particular crab was down in Cornwall), it gets its name from the short hairs that cover its body – giving it a velvety-like texture.

Credit: Samantha Andrews

It also has two alternative names – the devil crab and witch crab. It didn’t earn these names just because of those bright red eyes. It’s well known to be very aggressive, and will not give a second thought to giving you a good pinch if you try pick it up!