The Differences Between Crab And Spider Crab
Although they may be similar to the naked eye, the crab and spider crab exhibit notable differences in appearance, behavior and habits.
In this article, we will give you more information about the crab and spider crab, their similarities and differences.
Characteristics and general information about the crab
The term “crab” is used to refer to different species that form some families belonging to the order of the decapods.
In this order we find not only crabs, but also other large crustaceans, such as lobsters, shrimps and prawns.
Currently, over 4,000 species of crabs are classified on all continents, with the obvious exception of Antarctica.
A great diversity is observed among all these species, both in relation to their appearance, their habitat and their life cycle.
In general, according to their habitat, crabs can be divided into two groups : river crabs ( Astacoideos ) and sea crabs ( Brachyura ).
The vast majority of crabs live in or near the water, although some species only enter the water during the breeding season.
For many experts, the common feature of all these species is their benthic character. Benthic animals are those that live and roam through the bottom of aquatic ecosystems, whether they are fresh or salt water and at different depths.
Furthermore, these crustaceans are not usually swimmers, but use their pairs of legs to move to the bottom of the bodies of water in which they live.
For this reason, they have powerful legs with sharp claws that serve to catch prey and defend themselves.
Characteristics and general information about the spider crab
The spider crab ( Necora puber ) is a decapod crustacean belonging to the order of the Brachyura, which is one of the species of sea crabs recognized today.
More specifically, we are talking about a medium-sized crab that lives in shallow salt water. In general, it lives near the coasts and takes refuge among the rocks to protect itself and to capture its prey.
It is characterized by its hexagonal blue shell with velvety brown hairs.
It also has red and bulging eyes, as well as several bumps of this same color.
The diet of this species is based on the consumption of dead fish, algae and other organic substances available in its environment.
Their main natural predators are octopuses, but they are also caught a lot by humans.
In fact, its pulp is highly sought after in gastronomy for its delicate flavor and very pleasant texture for the palate.
Spider crab dishes are part of the traditional cuisine of the Cantabrian coasts, including Galicia, the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias.
Similarities and differences between crab and spider crab
Knowing a little more about each of these animals, we can see that there are as many similarities as there are differences between the crab and the spider crab.
On the one hand, the similarities are not surprising when you consider that spider crab is actually one of the many species of crabs that inhabit our planet.
Crabs and spider crabs do not physically resemble each other by accident, but are morphologically and genetically related.
Not all crab species share so many apparent similarities with spider crabs, as there is great morphological diversity among these crustaceans.
However, they both belong to the same order within the vast animal kingdom.
If we compare the spider crabs with the traditional crabs we see served at the table, we can observe some obvious differences.
Most of the time, spider crabs are smaller than crabs, measuring between 7 and 9 centimeters. Common crabs can easily reach 12 inches in body length.
Also in the tonality of their bodies we identify the key signals to differentiate them. While spider crabs show a large, blue, hexagonal shaped carapace, crabs are mainly reddish in color and the carapace is usually more rounded.
If you have the opportunity to touch the shells of these crustaceans, you will instantly feel another clear difference.
The surface of the spider crab carapace is much smoother and more uniform, with velvety regions. Crabs have a rougher and more irregular carapace.
Finally, it is worth remembering that spider crabs have black stripes on their legs.
This feature is observed in very few crab species, so it is a key factor in the identification of this species.
