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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Spiny Spider Crab

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean

With its triangular outline and long legs, the spider crab is a memorable encounter on a dive. Often dressed in algae that it attaches to its own shell, it blends into the scenery while slowly exploring the seabed in search of food.

Habitat de Spiny Spider Crab Habitat
Coralligenous habitat, Rocky habitat, Wreck
Profondeur de Spiny Spider Crab Depth
1-50 m
Groupe biologique de Spiny Spider Crab Group
Crustacean
Rôle écologique de Spiny Spider Crab Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The spider crab has a triangular body covered with many spines. Its shell is often decorated with algae and small organisms that it attaches itself for camouflage.It has long, thin legs that give it a slender appearance. Its colour varies from brown to reddish depending on its environment.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on varied seabeds: rocks, sandy areas, seagrass beds and beds of algae.It occurs from the surface down to several tens of metres deep, depending on the season.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It has a varied diet, consuming algae, small animals and organic remains.It feeds by exploring the seabed and grasping what it finds with its claws.

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Other species — Crustacean

Anemone Spider Crab Sponge Crab Narwal Shrimp Banded Squat Lobster Spiny lobster Shamefaced Crab Rough Squat Lobster European lobster

Same habitat and depth

Coralligenous habitat species Rocky seabed species Wreck species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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