Spider Crab Found in Waters off Maine Coast

A spider crab, a relative of the lobster, was found in the waters off the coast of Maine by a team of researchers from the University of Maine. This is believed to be the first time that this type of crab has been found in these waters.

The spider crab, which can grow to be up to 12 inches wide, is usually found in southern waters. The team of researchers who found it say that it may have migrated north due to the warming of the ocean waters.

The spider crab is a scavenger and will eat just about anything that it comes across. It has a hard shell that makes it resistant to predation by other animals.

The discovery of the spider crab in these waters is seen as an important one as it may indicate that these waters are becoming more hospitable to different types of marine life.

Largest Spider Crab Caught Off Maine Coast

The largest spider crab ever caught in Maine was hauled up in the nets of a lobster fisherman earlier this week. The spider crab, which measured over 18 inches across its body, is a new record for the state.

The previous record-holder was a 16 inch spider crab that was caught off the coast of Maine in 2014.

Spider crabs are not considered to be a commercially valuable species, and so the fisherman who caught the new record-breaker released it back into the ocean.

Despite their name, spider crabs are not true spiders but instead are related to crayfish and lobsters. They get their name from their long, spindly legs which can span up to three feet wide.

Spider crabs can be found in shallow coastal waters in temperate and tropical regions around the world. They are typically scavengers, feeding on dead fish, sea urchins, and other small marine creatures.

Maine Coastal Waters teeming with Spider Crabs

Maine's coastal waters are teeming with spider crabs. Large and reddish-brown, these crabs can be seen in large numbers near the shoreline. They scavenge for food on the ocean floor, helping to keep the area clean.

Despite their fearsome appearance, spider crabs are harmless to humans. In fact, they are actually quite shy and will quickly flee if approached. Spider crabs can grow up to 12 inches wide and weigh up to 5 pounds.

These interesting creatures are a popular tourist attraction in Maine. Many people enjoy watching them scuttle around in the water or digging through the sand for food.

If you're visiting Maine, be sure to check out the spider crabs at the beach! You won't regret it!

Spider Crab Population Soars in Maine Waters

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The population of spider crabs has surged in recent years in the waters off Maine, delighting fisherman and confounding scientists.

The crabs, which can measure more than a foot wide and have a leg span of nearly 3 feet, are typically found in the warmer waters of the south. But increasing numbers have been turning up in lobster pots and on fishing lines north of Cape Cod.

"I've been fishing since I was a little kid, and I've never seen them this far up the coast," said Fletch Armstrong, a Portland-based fisherman.

Contributing factors could include climate change and the overfishing of predators like cod, which leave the crabs with less to eat. The population explosion is also believed to be linked to an increase in jellyfish, their favorite food.

Despite their fearsome appearance, spider crabs are generally considered harmless to humans. They are eaten by some people in Asia, where they are considered a delicacy.

Spider Crab Season Kicks into High Gear along the Maine Coast

As the weather starts to warm up, the spider crab season ramps up along the Maine coast. These crabs can be found in shallow water, typically in the estuaries and bays.

The best time to go crabbing for spider crabs is during the spring and early summer when the water temperatures are warmer. When you go crabbing for spider crabs, use a baited trotline with chicken necks or fish as bait.

Spider crabs can be identified by their long legs and spindly bodies. They have a reddish-brown coloration, and their shells are smooth.

Spider crabs are a popular seafood dish, and they are considered a delicacy by many people. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilled, boiled or fried.