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Diving with British Marine Life: the European Spider Crab

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If you’ve dived in the UK chances are you’ve encountered a European spider crab (Maja brachydactyla). While often overlooked, these crabs display a wide range of behaviours making them brilliant photography subjects and great characters to observe on a dive.

M. brachydactyla is found on the South and West Coast of England and Ireland and is the largest spider crab in the UK. European spider crabs are characterised by their red-yellow body colouration and triangular carapace bearing two distinct frontal spines between the eyes. The claws are relatively narrow with white tips, while their walking legs have dark tips.

Their carapace is covered in tiny barbs, which they use to fix an array of algae in order to ‘decorate’ a fresh moult. Such behaviour is well documented in majid crabs and helps to camouflage their bright exoskeletons. Paul Naylor, marine biologist, photographer and author of Great British Marine Animals, showcases this decorative behaviour on his Vimeo profile.

As well as actively masking their exoskeleton, spider crabs play host to a wide range of epibionts. Sessile organisms such as barnacles, anemones and tunicates settle onto their carapace in their larval stage. This relationship is known as mutualistic; the host benefits from protection from predators via camouflage, and the epibionts (an organism that lives on the surface of another organism) are exposed to sediment resuspended by the host, protection from slow moving predators, and better dispersion of offspring.

Documentary worthy aggregations of spider crabs also occur close to shore around the UK; but surprisingly these dense aggregations, also known as mounds, are driven by moulting rather than breeding. I am yet to witness this phenomenon, but look forward to the day I do!


Hear more from Georgie here: https://georgiebullphotography.home.blog/

Georgie is a Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology student at Plymouth University and an active diver in the South West of England. This year she will be completing the HSE Scuba qualification with the University in the hope that scuba will become part of her future career. She is particularly interested in native species and has a soft spot for elasmobranchs and molluscs.

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Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

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In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.

Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.

Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit  www.thebreakers-somabay.com.

Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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