Exploring the Enigma of Spider Crabs in Port Phillip Bay, Australia: Citizen Scientists Dive In

Every winter, native spider crabs gather in the shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay, amassing in their tens of thousands to complete their moulting process. Giant spider crabs, like all arthropods, have jointed legs and a hard shell called a carapace. To grow, they must shed their old shells, expand their bodies, and harden new shells. This process leaves them incredibly vulnerable to predators, which is why scientists believe they aggregate in such large numbers. The changing aggregation sites and timings each year add to the mystery.

Learn more at www.greatsouthernreef.com/spider-crab

Video by Stefan Andrews
Interviewee Elodie Camprasse
Footage by Elodie Camprasse and Emily May