European Spider Crab

Overview

The European Spider Crab (Maja squinado) is a large, migratory crustacean endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its distinctively spiny appearance and long, spindly legs, it is a prominent member of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem.

Appearance

This crab features a rounded, strongly convex carapace that can reach up to 25 cm in length. Its shell is covered in sharp, pointed tubercles and spines, with the lateral edges armed with larger, prominent spines. The front of the head is characterized by a stout, bifid rostrum consisting of two thick, forward-projecting spines. The overall coloration typically ranges from pale pink and yellowish-brown to deep rusty red, which helps it blend into its rocky environment.

Distribution & habitat

Maja squinado is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a benthic species found in a variety of environments, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and areas with seagrass or algae. While commonly observed in shallower waters, it can inhabit depths ranging from the surface down to 150 meters, with some individuals recorded even deeper.

Biology & behavior

This species is known for its complex molting process, during which it is particularly vulnerable and often seeks shelter. To aid in camouflage, it frequently decorates its shell with fragments of algae and sponges. While generally solitary, the crabs are known to form spectacular mass aggregations, sometimes numbering in the thousands, particularly during molting or specific phases of their reproductive cycle. They are omnivorous with a tendency toward scavenging.