Dear Critters,
I have been completely obsessed with photographing and videoing spider crabs for several years. They are absolutely fascinating both one on one and enmasse as they come into my local waters annually to moult from their old shells into their new ones. I hope you enjoy my spider crab videos, then scroll down to the image gallery and an article I have written on these amazing animals. Don’t forget to check out some of my other galleries (including Seahorses, Octopuses, Nudibranchs,Tasseled Anglerfish , Latest Images and My Dive Highlights), videos and ‘Scuba Vs Tumour’ blog posts while you are here! (And feel free to follow the Pink Tank Scuba Facebook page too!)
Love and bubbles,
PT xxx
Images 1, 2 and 4 were taken by PT Hirschfield
Pink Tank Scuba 
Great to hear you this morning on Radio Marinara on 3RRR-FM Melbourne. I was worried that the timelapse moulting video was the one you mentioned where the crab was cannibalised by another spider crab immediately after moulting – particularly when that last guy stopped to watch for quite a while!
Do you think there is actually a purpose to them watching another moult? The first one that stops to watch seems just a baby by comparison – maybe first moult? The second one looked like it was sizing up the moulter, waiting to see if they had a chance of taking it on.
One more question: how long does it take for the shell to harden?
Great that you were able to tune into the radio interview, Nerida! Tankfully this moult was my first one that survived without predation. I’m not sure if the others are watching to learn, lurking to prey or help (I have a few bits of footage that actually show crabs helping others that get stuck during the moulting process before moving off! Haven’t posted those yet though …) I believe it takes several days for the new shells to harden. Love and bubbles, PT xxx
Awesome!
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*Owen Watson Director | 0417 257 447 | http://www.brickpig.com.au *
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On Sat, Jun 18, 2016 at 5:23 PM, Pink Tank Scuba wrote:
> PT posted: “Dear Critters, I have been completely obsessed with > photographing and videoing spider crabs for several years. The are > absolutely fascinating both one on one and enmasse as they come into my > local waters annually to moult from their old shells into the” >
Full tanks, brickpig Owen! Every time I see an octopus, I think of you. It tells me to say hello but sad to say I often forget 😛 Love and bubbles, PT xxx
SO COOL! One more thing for the to-do list (only a few more years until I get my daughter certified, and then I can finally have a real vacation again)!
Hey Cookiesdad – soooo glad you enjoyed this photo and video gallery. It will be so exciting for you to be able to dive with your daughter – what a privilege! Sounds like you deserve a real underwater vacation – hopefully you get to see the spider crabs for yourself someday *fins crossed!* Love and bubbles, PT 😀