Strange UID shell

[Derickp]

Found this item washed up on the Jetty at Skinningrove. I have no idea what it is. Can someone ID it? Photo of top and bottom. Bottom semed to have shell type legs with Hairs? growing out of dozens of holes in them. I can't say I have seen this before. Someone or some dog had already broken it.

[Chris.Small]

Giant Isopod maybe?

[Damian]

it's the abdomen (apron) of a female Edible Crab

[Derickp]

Well I would not have guessed that in a 100 years Damian. I must ask though...what are all the hairy? leg things underneath? I have never seen that on any crab before.

[Damian]

Hi Derick,
The hairy 'legs' are what the eggs attach to.