Warty Crab - Eriphia verrucosa - Resting on Sunlit Rocks at Slugs Bay

A Warty Crab (Eriphia verrucosa) resting on an algae-covered limestone surface in the shallow waters of Slugs Bay, Malta, displaying its powerful claws, reddish eyes and distinctive textured body.

This underwater photograph captures a Warty Crab (Eriphia verrucosa) resting on a sunlit, algae-covered rocky surface in the shallow coastal waters of Slugs Bay, Malta. Photographed from a low angle, the crab faces the camera directly, displaying its broad, dark carapace, prominent reddish eyes and powerful claws. The rounded bumps covering its claws and the coarse, hairy appearance of its walking legs are particularly noticeable. Its dark brown and olive-green colouring blends naturally with the uneven rocky surroundings, while the pale blue water behind it creates a contrasting background. Sunlight penetrates the shallow water, illuminating the textured limestone and patches of marine algae beneath the crab. The close perspective provides an unusually detailed view of this fascinating Mediterranean crustacean in its natural habitat.

The Warty Crab, scientifically known as Eriphia verrucosa, is a robust coastal crab belonging to the family Eriphiidae. It occurs throughout the Mediterranean Sea and is also found in parts of the eastern Atlantic and Black Sea. The species typically inhabits shallow rocky shores, crevices and areas beneath stones, where its strong claws and protective carapace are well suited to life among wave-exposed coastal habitats. Its common name refers to the numerous wart-like projections that give the claws and parts of the body their rough appearance. Colouration varies from brown and olive-green to darker reddish tones, providing effective camouflage against rocky seabeds. Warty Crabs are mainly active during the night and feed on a variety of marine organisms, including molluscs, other crustaceans and small invertebrates. Their powerful claws allow them to crush hard-shelled prey, while their sturdy legs provide a secure grip on uneven surfaces. During daylight hours, they frequently remain concealed beneath rocks or within sheltered crevices, although individuals may occasionally be observed in exposed shallow-water locations. This photograph offers an interesting glimpse of the species at Slugs Bay, highlighting the remarkable diversity of marine life inhabiting Malta’s rocky Mediterranean coastline.