Hairy Porcelain Crab

Porcellana platycheles

The Hairy Porcelain Crab, known scientifically as Porcellana platycheles, is a small crustacean reaching up to 15 millimeters in length. It is distinguished by its broad, flattened front claws and two long antennae. Its coloration is typically greenish-brown on the dorsal side and off-white on the ventral side. Unlike true crabs, it has a small abdomen tucked under its carapace. The last pair of its legs is highly reduced and hidden, giving the appearance of having only three pairs of walking legs. This species is more closely related to lobsters and squat lobsters, which is suggested by its long antennae. The Hairy Porcelain Crab is found along the coasts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Norway to the Canary Islands, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. In the UK, it is widely distributed from Shetland to Scilly. It inhabits rocky coasts, residing beneath rocks and boulders, particularly in areas with mud and gravel. It is primarily found in the mid to lower intertidal zones but can occasionally be spotted in the shallow subtidal zone, typically at depths shallower than 40 meters. This species is a filter feeder, using specialized hairs on its mouthparts to filter plankton from the water. It also feeds on carrion and organic debris. The Hairy Porcelain Crab is gonochoric, with a common precopulatory courtship ritual involving olfactory and tactile cues. Its conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN.