Spider crabs are very different to ‘typical’ crabs. Orangey brown in colour, the great spider crab has long spindly legs like a spider and a distinctive pear-shaped shell. It is smaller than the spiny spider crab, which has an oval and more visibly spiky shell.

Behaviour

A pear-shaped crab with a pointed face, the great spider crab has long, spindly legs like a spider. Also known as the sea toad, it lives amongst rocks and seaweed from the low tide mark and out to around 50m deep. It is a Northern species, with the UK sitting at the southernmost limit of its range. It is known to be partial to munching on jellyfish.

Size

Body, Width: Up to 8cm, Length: Up to 10cm

Status

Common.

Distribution

Found around all UK coasts, but less common in the south.

When to see

January to December

Facts

Seaweed and other creatures often grow on the back of the great spider crab, providing it with excellent camouflage.