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Macroregonia macrochira Sakai, 1978
Deep Sea Giant Spider Crab
Family: Oregoniidae

Introduction to the Crabs, Shrimps and Crayfish of BC

Photograph

© Aaron Baldwin     (Photo ID #8024)

Map

E-Fauna BC Static Map

Distribution of Macroregonia macrochira in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


The Deep Sea Giant Spider Crab is one of three species of crabs described from vents in the eastern Pacific, including Explorer Ridge west of Vancouver Island. It is an extremely large species with an "anteriorly broadened carapace and markedly swollen dorsal surface" (Tunnicliffe and Jensen 1987).

This " large-clawed spider crab has legs about a half-meter long. That's big, but not unusual. Tanner crabs and king crabs have long legs, too. But the legs on this crab are really, really thin." (Stevens 2001).

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

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