Crustacean
Sea spider
Maja spp.
(VII) Mer d'Irlande, Ouest de l'Irlande, Porcupine Bank, Manche orientale et occidentale, Canal de Bristol, Mer Celtique septentrionale et méridionale et sud-ouest de l'Irlande - est et ouest, (VIII) Golfe de Gascogne
Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
16,5 cm
Minimum size
Description
Part of the Majidae family, the spider crab is a decapod (10 legs) with a massive shell equipped with protruding spines, large claws (the male's are larger than the female's), a wide, rounded abdominal flap in the female, and a highly developed rostrum. It feeds on algae, mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
Habitat
A benthic species that lives on calcareous red algae beds, sandy or rocky areas, among seaweed, between March and July. Between August and October, adults migrate offshore to depths of over 50 m to overwinter. It is found from northern Scotland to the coasts of Morocco and Mauritania (rare beyond these areas).
Distribution
Lives in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is known as "esquinade." It is found on all types of seabeds at depths of 0 to 120 m, depending on its reproductive cycle.