Risso’s Crab

Project Description

Risso’s Crab

Scientific name: Xantho pilipes
Size: Up to 7cm across the shell
Colour: Red-brown
Habitat: Rocky shores, under rocks or in rockpools
Facts:

• They have large claws – they look like the bodybuilders of the crab world!
• They are sometimes mottled with white, making them look like marble.
• Liable to fight with other animals if placed in a bucket with them.
• Similar to the Montagu’s crab, but can be identified by the fact that it has hairier legs.

Photo credit: Paul Naylor
www.marinephoto.co.uk