The Rough Spider Crab (Schizophrys aspera) belongs to the Spider Crab family Majidae . Spider crabs are characterised by triangular or occasionally rounded carapaces that are covered in spines, hairs and knobs. The crabs use their claws to camouflage and decorate themselves by attaching hydroids, algae or sponges to their hairs. Once attached these attached ‘plants’ grows on the body of the crab.
Schizophrys aspera is widespread throughout the waters of the Indo-West Pacific region and can be found in the waters of tropical Australia and in the large gulfs of South Australia. Schizophrys aspera has a carapace that is either orange, red or brown in colour. It can be found on many of the jetties in the gulfs of South Australia hiding on the pylons. The Rough Spider Crab (Schizophrys aspera) has a maximum carapace width of approximately 5 cm.
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