Spider Crab
© Copyright 2008 Andrew Trevor-Jones
Spider crab, probably Oncinopus sp., at Steve’s Bommie, Ribbon Reef #3, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Depth: 11.5 metres.
Nikon D300, Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D, Ikelite housing and flat port, 2 x DS125 strobes.
ISO 200, 1/200s, f/16
Spider Crab belongs to the following groups:
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Enivea
That’s amazing. What is it on, and are these crabs common?
Andrew Trevor-... replied
The crab is sitting on a coral known as Millepora, although it is not a “normal” coral. Stony corals and soft corals (as well as anemones, zoanthids and other coral-like groups) belong to Class Anthozoa. Millepora belongs to Class Hydrozoa and so is actually more closely related to bluebottles AKA Portuguese man-o-war, Physalia physalis than it is to other corals. They are also known as fire corals, and those hairs you can see sting – and they cause a burning sensation.
Spider crabs aren’t uncommon, but being small and mostly nocturnal, they aren’t often seen.
Enivea
That’s all fascinating information, thank you. Such a weird world down there, who needs aliens!
Andrew Trevor-... replied
You’re welcome.
Rainy
Congratulations!
Andrew Trevor-... replied
Thanks for the feature, Rainy.
8 March 2009.
Heavenandus777
Andrew Trevor-... replied
Thanks for the feature, Anna.
9 March 2009.