Liocarcinus depurator

Andy Horton MARINE LIFE NEWS BULLETIN TORPEDO (February 2012) Issue 183 ISSN 1464-8156 For technical reasons, TORPEDO is no longer being sent out by EMail. It is simply easier to view the bulletins on the web pages. Please find a copy of the bulletin at: www.glaucus.org.uk/Torpedo2012Feb.htm includes Recent Marine Wildlife News Bearded Seal at Tayport (2nd report) Humpback Whales off Ireland Featured species: Harbour (Swimming) Crab Liocarcinus depurator Coastal feature: Snow trails at Boddam, south Mainland, Shetland. MARINE LIFE NEWS BULLETIN TORPEDO INDEX www.glaucus.org.uk/Torpedo2.htm

Cathal McNaughton Same crab, another angle... Liocarcinus depurator?

David Wilson Yes. Lots of these in Salcombe estuary and on broken ground along the Dorset coast from about 10m down.

Andy Horton We do not seem to get this species intertidally in Sussex.

David Wilson I don't think they are an intertidal species. I have caught them in a baited drop net made from an old bicycle wheel in 6-10 mtrs of water.

Cathal McNaughton I was not familiar with this species or a lot of other things which I found washed up dead following that big storm at the end of March 10, quite a lot of stuff was washed ashore that usually wouldnt be, eg live lobsters. It wasnt usual beach stuff to be found that week, was very interesting.

Chris Barrett In my experience, this species are common on muddy sea beds. Holyhead harbour has lots. One of their common names is also 'mud runner.'

Andy Horton Chris: Mud Runner is usually given to another species. Another one we do not find in Sussex estuaries.

Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/RunningCrab-AJupp.jpg

Cathal McNaughton I think this swimming crab could be Liocarcinus depurator going by the carapace shape, the front serrated edge in particular? It could possibly be L.holstaus if not depurator. Any help with ID much appreciated. It could be something else entirely.

Cathal McNaughton That is supposed to say L. holsatus above, sorry.

Andy Horton Liocarcinus depurator comes to mind immediately. Good picture. I have not done a detailed examination.