Other Names

• Sea spider

General Description

Body with proboscis projecting outward from front, with the mouth at the tip. Central body (trunk) behind the proboscis, with a raised, rounded area (tubercle) bearing four eyes. Eight segmented walking legs attached to the sides of the trunk. Small abdomen behind trunk, not articulated at base. Leg span about 15 mm.

Biology

This is a cosmopolitan species, occurring in waters around the globe. In Victoria, all records are from beneath rocks and boulders typically associated with a silt substrate. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.

Habitat

In sheltered areas, occasionally in tide pools along our exposed coastline, to depth of 2 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Worldwide. Southern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

Species Group

Sea spiders

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

15 mm

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia.

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed