The Giant Spider Crab (Ephippias endeavouri) is a large crab species that occurs in deep water and belongs to the ‘Spider crab’ family Majidae. Crabs in the Majidae family are unique in that they have triangular body that tapers towards the front however some species may have a rounded carapace. The carapace of the Majids is generally covered with spines or knobs and has hooked hairs. These hairs are very important as the crab attached algae, sponges and hydroids to the carapace via the hooked hairs. This provides the crab with excellent camouflaged and they are often very difficult to see. This Giant Spider Crab (Ephippias endeavouri) is found in the deep waters of the western Pacific Ocean and is very rarely seen by scuba divers. They generally occur in water depths greater than 40 metres. The Giant Spider Crab (Ephippias endeavouri) was first described by Rathbun in 1918 and has a maximum width of at least 40cm.
The identification of this species was provided by Dr Peter Davie from the Queensland Museum. Dr Davie is recognised as being one of the leading crustacean experts in the world.
