Spider crab facts for kids
The name spider crab is used for a group of crabs that look a bit like spiders. They belong to a large family called Majoidea. Don't confuse them with crab spiders, which are actually spiders, not crabs!
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Amazing Spider Crabs
Spider crabs are a fascinating group of creatures found in oceans around the world. They get their name because of their long, thin legs, which make them look a bit like spiders.
The Giant Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the biggest living crab species on Earth! You can find these huge crabs living deep on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Imagine a crab with legs that can spread out over 12 feet (3.7 meters)!
The Portly Spider Crab
The Portly spider crab (Libinia emarginata) is another type of spider crab. It lives in the estuary areas along the east coast of North America. Estuaries are places where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water.
The Hyas Genus
The Hyas is a group, or genus, of spider crabs. This group includes the Great spider crab (Hyas araneus). You can find the Great spider crab in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
Images for kids
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Hoplophrys oatesi, a type of spider crab
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Limnopilos naiyanetri, a tiny spider crab
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Macrocheira kaempferi, the largest living crab
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Pyromaia cuspidata, another interesting spider crab
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Maja squinado, also known as the European spider crab
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Hyas coarctatus, a spider crab from the Hyas group
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See also
In Spanish: Majoidea para niños
