Wild Harris

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 This aggressive small crab is similar in size to the green shore crab, but is easily recognised by

its red eyes and flattened back legs which it uses as paddles to swim through the water. The

name comes from the fuzzy velvet-like covering on the back of its shell. Velvet crabs are targeted by fishermen in the Bays and the Sound of Harris who catch them in creels similar to lobster 

pots, and sell them to Spanish customers.

Velvet Swimming Crab    (Photo: Paul Tyler)

The red eyes and fuzzy hairs on the shell indicate that this is a velvet crab

by Paul Tyler

Link to Rocky Seabed Animals