Scuba Season

Velvet Swimming Crab

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Sighting evidence at Kilkee Sea Caves, Ireland

Velvet Swimming Crab

Photo: jgwildlife · CC BY-NC

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

1 record within 25 km

Confidence: low

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites