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. Leg span to 5 cm.
Biology
This species is seasonally abundant in Westernport Bay where reproduction appears to be correlated with the fertile stage of the host hydroid. Egg-bearing males and juveniles are present in October to December when the host hydroid is fertile. The young sea spiders (Protonymphon) hatch on the male and remain there until their third pair of legs is developed. On leaving the male, they gradually change colour to match the host hydroid. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.
Habitat
On hydroids, to depth of 240 m.
Reefs
Distribution guide
New Caledonia and southern and eastern Australia.
Species Group
Depth
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)
Water Column
Max Size
5 cm
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