WHATSTHATFISH
Crustaceans

Lesser Spider Crab

Maja crispata

Also known as: Brachyura Crab, Corallimorph Crab, Decorator Crab, Decorator Spider Crab, Majid Crab, Small Spider Crab, Spider Crab, True Crab

Adult
@MBP349 · Arch Park of Baiae Naples, Italy · June 20161 / 1
01

Overview

Found on hard bottoms, of coral and rocky reefs, over intertidal zones, in shallow lagoons, rich in algae growth. They are found covered in a heavy growth of algae, and other marine organisms, for camouflage against predators!

Its long, slender walking legs give a total leg span of up to 25cm.

Brachyura crabs are considered true crabs, they have a short abdomen, 4 walking legs and a pair of clawed arms at the front.
Many thousands of species live worldwide in sea water, fresh water and on land.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Behaviour
camouflaged

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Northwest Atlantic, Northeast Atlantic, Mediterranean
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found on hard bottoms, of coral and rocky reefs, over intertidal zones, in shallow lagoons, rich in algae growth.

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Adult photos 1

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Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumArthropoda
    3. classMalacostraca
    4. orderDecapoda
    5. familyMajidae
    6. genusMaja
    7. speciesMaja crispata Risso, 1827

    SourcesWoRMS

    06

    More in the family

    Decapoda