|
Garvellachs, Argyll. |
Crayfish Identified by their very long and strong antennae and lack of large claws. Although this species is very rarely seen, it is present along the Moray coast on hard rock bottom with plenty of water movement. Due to scarcity leave well alone. |
|
Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire |
Lobster The common lobster is often seen in crevices in reefs or holes in wrecks. Lobsters play an important part of he fishery round NE Scotland so look but don't touch. Remember that the larger specimens, as breeding stock, help sustain the local population. Divers will quickly learn the whereabouts of crevices favoured by lobsters.
|
|
Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire (6/02) |
Spiny Squat Lobster |
|
|
Long claw squat lobster This species has much longer claws than the spiny squat lobster. It prefers a sandy bottom and is more common on the west coast than the east. It will typically be seen daytime with its claws sticking out from under a gap between rocks |
|
|
Hermit crab Pagarus sp When a shell gets up and runs away from you across the bottom, the chances are that its not the original occupant inside, but a hermit crab. These crabs are devoid of a hard protective shell on their abdomen and take shelter within suitably sized shells. They can vary from the shells of the smallest species of mollusc, up to large dog whelk shells. They secure themselves to the central pillar of the shell with the last segment of their body and blocks the opening with its larger right pincer. Some specimens may be found in a close symbiotic relationship with anenomes with which they cover their shell to provide defence against predatory fish. The anenome in return get free travel and any scraps released into the water during the hermits' feeding. A number of species exist. |
|
Hermit with cloak anenome - Kyle of Lochalsh 5/04 |
|
|
Rosehearty |
Shore Crab
Showing its defensive posture towards an approaching diver! |
|
Sandhaven, Aberdeenshire |
Edible crab (Cancer pagurus) |
|
|
Spider crabs A number of species come under this generic name, all of which have very large legs in relation to the size of their bodies. Their claws are less highly developed than other crab species. Many specimens are very well camouflaged with some being referred to as decorator crabs, having covered their bodies with strands of algae, weed and even anenomes. Other names include the sea toad. "Its there... Honest!!" Sandhaven, Aberdeenshire |
|
Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire (6/02) |
Velvet swimming crab This species has the last pair of legs flattened at the end to serve as paddles and will use them to swim away quickly if caught in the open. They can however be quite aggressive raising up in a threat pose against intruders including divers. They have very distinctive bright red eyes which may on occasion be what attracts the diver to their presence. |
|
|
Prawn |
|
Sandhaven |
Brown Shrimp Crangon crangon Found on sandy bottom often partially buried in the sand. Although nocturnal they may be seen walking across the sand even in daylight. |
