Toothed Crab

Pirimela denticulata

The Toothed Crab is a small crustacean, notable for its compact size, reaching up to 12 mm in length and 15 mm across its carapace. Its carapace is predominantly green, adorned with mottled patterns of brown, purple, or red. The front edge of the carapace features three distinct teeth between the eyes, two around the orbits, and five along each side, giving it a unique appearance compared to other crabs. This species inhabits the Eastern Atlantic, ranging from the British Isles to Mauritania, including the Mediterranean Sea, Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, and the Azores. It prefers sandy sediments and underwater vegetation, often residing in burrows at depths up to 250 meters. However, most recorded sightings occur at shallower depths, with 83% found at less than 40 meters. The Toothed Crab has not been evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.