Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Spider crab

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

A discreet inhabitant of seagrass meadows and algal seabeds, the Spider crab is often spotted only when it moves. Its slender outline and outsized legs give it the appearance of a sea spider. Well camouflaged, it spends most of its time clinging to vegetation.

Habitat de Spider crab Habitat
Sand, Maerl, Detrital bottom
Profondeur de Spider crab Depth
1-100 m
Groupe biologique de Spider crab Group
Crustacean
Rôle écologique de Spider crab Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Macropodia rostrata is a small crab with a narrow body and very long, thin legs. Its slender appearance and outsized legs give it a spider-like outline.Its shell is triangular and extends forwards into a pointed rostrum. Its colouring varies from brown to reddish, sometimes with pale shades, enhancing camouflage among algae.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly lives in seagrass meadows, algal areas and on soft seabeds such as sand or shell debris.It occurs in coastal areas, often attached to vegetation where it camouflages itself effectively.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Its diet is opportunistic. It eats small organisms, organic particles and material attached to algae.It uses its camouflage to feed without being detected, staying close to its plant support.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
  • Infographic and illustrated summary profile
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.

Other species — Crustacean

Sponge Crab Shamefaced Crab Narwal Shrimp Common Hermit Crab Banded Squat Lobster Rough Squat Lobster Spiny Spider Crab Anemone Spider Crab

Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Maerl bed species Detrital seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

🧠 Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences
DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE

From recognition to understanding

After recognising a marine species, watch it in its environment in the diving videos. Articles and learning paths help you understand its habitat and its relationships with other organisms; games help you remember your discoveries.