Risso's Crab

Xantho pilipes

Risso's crab, known scientifically as Xantho pilipes, is a small crustacean belonging to the Xanthidae family. Adult crabs typically measure between 15 to 30 mm in length and are characterized by their marbled coloration, which can range from red to yellow to brown. A distinctive feature of this species is the dense hairs covering the back of its legs, which is reflected in its specific name 'pilipes', meaning 'hairy legs'. This crab is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with a notable presence off the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. It inhabits coastal waters, often hiding under rocks and within coarse gravel. Risso's crab can be found at depths of up to 100 meters, although a significant number of recorded sightings occur at shallower depths. Xantho pilipes is a benthic species, meaning it lives on the sea floor, and it is commonly found within kelp forests. The species is part of the trophic level 2.3. Regarding its reproductive behavior, like many decapods, it exhibits a precopulatory courtship ritual, often relying on olfactory and tactile cues.