Spider Crabs

Spider Crab

Spider Crabs Libinia emarginata are scavengers. Although they are fearsome-looking, they are actually slow-moving, and their usual claws-out threat display is mostly bluff. Spider Crabs have relatively small round bodies (to 4"), long legs, and rather weak claws. They are found subtidally to at least 160 ft, on any type of bottom, and are very common in rivers and inlets. They often cover themselves with detritus for camouflage, and can also burrow in soft sediments.

A related species is used for food in Europe. The only thing more unattractive than a Spider Crab is two of them mating.

Spider Crab
A large adult Spider Crab
Spider Crab
Looks like one of those old Japanese monster movies, doesn't it?
Spider Crab
A baby Spider Crab, decorated with algae that it has stuck to itself for camouflage
Spider Crab
A small specimen trailing a veil of algae
Spider Crab
I'm not sure what these two spider crabs were doing, and I'm sure I don't want to know !
Herb Segars Photography

Type:
artificial reef, scallop dredge
Built:
1977, Halter Marine, Lockport LA USA, as Southern Prince
Specs:
( 156 x 39 ft ) 269 gross tons
Sunk:
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - Delaware #11 Artificial Reef
GPS:
38°40.494' -74°43.868'
Depth:
85 ft

The Texas Star was built in 1977 on a multi-purpose supply ship hull, probably to service offshore oil platforms. The vessel was refitted as a floating casino in 1986, originally named Millionaire’s Casino, out of Savannah Georgia, but later moved to Texas and renamed Texas Star Casino. "The 12,000 square-foot vessel featured games such as craps, blackjack, roulette, poker and slot machines, with a bingo parlor situated on the nearby dock."

Printed from njscuba.net