Check out this spider crab hanging out on the seafloor near Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary!
Unlike other crabs, its pincers are longer, weaker, and slower.
It uses the ends of the claws to shovel pieces of detritus, algae, and other dead creatures into its mouth.
If a predator gets too close and the spider crab gets spooked, it will wave its pincers in defense.
A female spider crab will shield her developing embryos from predators by tucking them against her abdomen with her coiled tail.
This species is known to be sluggish. Have you ever spotted a spider crab near Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary?
Note: This video was produced for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, which is a trustee and protecter of America’s most iconic underwater parks and marine resources.
