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Distribution: Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea Size: 36mm Life Span: 4 years Diet: Omnivorous Social life: Solitary IUCN red list status: Not Threatened The marbled rock crab has a dark violet-brown coloration with yellow marbling, reaching a maximum body size of 36 millimeters. Like other crabs, it is covered by a thick exoskeleton, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, and equipped with a single pair of chelae (claws). The crab's carapace is nearly square and slightly wider than it is long, with distinct diagonal ridges. Crabs generally move sideways and communicate through drumming or waving their pincers. They are often aggressive toward one another, with males frequently engaging in fights to gain access to females. Males typically have larger claws than females. Marbled rock crabs are commonly found on rocks in the middle to upper shore zones, especially in the crevices of breakwaters or similar habitats. As omnivores, they consume roughly equal proportions of algae and animal matter, depending on what is available in their habitat.
