 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crab, spider
Maia squinado
|
|
|
|
|
Please continue with selection |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
BIOLOGY
The spider crab is the largest crab found in British waters, with a carapace width of up to 200mm and a leg span of 500mm or more. Spider crabs inhabit coarse sand mixed grounds and open bedrock from the shaloow sublittoral zone to depth of 120m, although highest densities occur between 0 and 70m. Large migrations of spider crabs occur during the early spring when they move into shallower water to spawn.Female crabs become berried (egg-bearing) from April onwards, by June all mature females are berried. Hatching occurs from July until November, following which the crabs migrate back to deeper water. Juveniles remain in shallow water close to the coast until they mature in their second year. Carapace widths for mature adults are from 85-200 mm for males and 70-175mm for females. Spider crabs are known to congregate in large numbers and form 'mounds'.
|
ADVICE
Tangle nets are the main fishing method used to capture spider crabs. Netting is less sustainable than potting, as with potting there is no by-catch of non-target species and small crabs may be returned to the sea alive. Avoid eating immature crabs below legal minimum landing size (120 mm maximum body width), egg-bearing crabs and fresh (not previously frozen) crabs caught during the spawning season (April-July).
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
