Description
The claws, legs and carapace of the bristly crab are covered with bristly hairs. Possesses relatively heavy claws, with lumpy extensions. These animals are rather shy, and will usually hide below rocks, stones, shells, between sponges, bryozoans or even snail eggs and weeds. They need a rather high salt level, so will not be present in brackish water.

Size
The carapace of the male is maximum 25 mm wide, for the female this is a bit smaller.

Colour
The carapace is reddish brown and sometimes even a bit purple. The tips of the claws re dark brown or black. The legs are lumpy and are reddish.

Habitat
Can usually be found just below the tidal zone, but can also be found in depths up to 40 meters, everywhere where it can find some protection in cave, below stones etc.

Distribution
Eastern Atlantic from Norway till Morocco, the Mediterranean see and Black sea.