This is NZ’s largest crab, it can measure up to one metre leg span. It has long spider-like legs and a roughly triangular knobbed carapace which is dirty white with occasional reddish edges to the carapace and red-yellowish chelae. Males are significantly larger than females, reaching a length of 20 cm excluding claws and legs.

Giant Spider Crab is found around the southeast and south of New Zealand from Mernoo Gap to the Campbell Islands in intertidal regions to depths of 500 m.

Males feed on other shellfish, while females are detritus feeders.

There is no age data available for Giant Spider Crab. Maturity is reached at 110 mm length for males and 100 mm for females. Larvae are released in September-November. Added to the quota system in 2004. Reported catch MHR (kg) 79,759 Commercial allowance TACC (kg) 419,000

A Guide to the Plants and Animals of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre: McKinnon http://fs.fish.govt.nz/Page.aspx?pk=7&sc=GSC (accessed 20/08/10)