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. Short abdomen behind trunk, rounded at tip. Leg span about 2 cm.

Biology

This species can match the colour of the bryozoan on which it is found. Little else is known about the biology of this species. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.

Habitat

On soft bryozoans, to depth of 72 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia, including central Victoria.

Species Group

Sea spiders

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 cm

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

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