The arrow crab, also known as Spider Crab, is a species in the order of the Decapoda and thus belongs to the subphylum of the Crustacea.
Description
Stenorhynchus lanceolatus has a small body with horn. It has two scissors arms and eight long thin legs. Their colour is brown, white and black striped with yellow dots.
The body is up to 4cm long and the legs can become up to 20cm in length.
Habitat and Distribution
The Arrow Crab lives on rocky ground in depths down to 100m. When diving in the Canaries you can observe them frequently. Except in the Canary Islands, they can also be seen in Madeira.
Biology
They are usually hidden in columns during the day. Its usually seen close to sea urchins to find shelter.
They feed on algae, carrion and organic waste.