Common spider crab (Maja squinado)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Maja squinado
- Common name
- Common spider crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Majidae
- Genus
- Maja
- Size
- 15–30 cm
- Depth
- 5–120 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, sand
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, gregarious, camouflage
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Maja squinado reaches 30 cm carapace. Large spider crab with a pear-shaped red-brown body covered in spines and tubercles serving as mounts for algae and sponges it hooks onto its back for effective camouflage. Long slender legs. Larger Atlantic cousin than the Mediterranean M. crispata (in base). Seasonal migrations toward the coast for molting and reproduction. Significant commercial fishery in Brittany and Spain.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Common spider crab?
- Common spider crab (Maja squinado) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Common spider crab?
- Common spider crab is found between 5–120 m deep.
- Is the Common spider crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Common spider crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Common spider crab?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Maja
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107350)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5178690)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia