spiny spider crab
| Scientific name | Maja brachydactyla |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Balss |
| Year of description | 1922 |
| IUCN category | NE |
| Family | Majidae |
| Genus | Maja |
Introduction
Maja brachydactyla, commonly known as spiny spider crab, is a salt water crustacea.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size19 cm
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Maximum size22 cm
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Mimicryrocky bottoms
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Average size19 cm
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Maximum size22 cm
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Mimicryrocky bottoms
How to recognize the spiny spider crab ?
The spiny spider crab measures between 19 and 22 cm. this crustacea is tricolore with a predominantly rouge, jaune and marron body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialNo
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VenomousNo
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Way of livingnocturnal
Like all crustaceans, The spiny spider crab molts whenever it becomes cramped in its shell. Before the hardening of its new body, it is more vulnerable and spends a good part of its time hidden. This mechanism, very complex, allows the periodic renewal of the exoskeleton and part of the internal skeleton. It is also during the moult that the females become fertile.
The spiny spider crab is a crustacea living in a group or alone. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency . this crustacea lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although the spiny spider crab is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
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Migratory speciesYes
The spiny spider crab is a crustacea ovipare.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Depth0 - 80 m
Biotope presentation
The spiny spider crab is most often found at a depth between 0m and 80m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
This species lives in decaying vegetation (branches, leaves) in low current areas.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Aurélien Calas
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Tags
Same genus
Mediterranean Spider Crab
Majidae
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners
