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, unsegmented. Leg span about 1 cm

Biology

This species appears to be adopted to holding prey between its toothed chelae. They have been collected in low numbers of 1-2 individuals. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.

Habitat

Usually in sediments rich in invertebrates such as polychaetes, to depth of 329 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea spiders

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1 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