Sea Spider

About the Sea Spider

Despite their name, they are not true spiders. Some deep-sea species have leg spans of 70 cm. They have no respiratory system - oxygen diffuses directly through their thin exoskeleton. Some species have organs in their legs, including their digestive tract. Males carry eggs on special leg appendages. Over 1,300 species exist. They are found from tide pools to 7,000 meters depth. They are among the most ancient arthropod groups. Some parasitize sea anemones and jellyfish. Their body is so small their organs extend into their legs. Antarctic species are much larger than tropical ones (polar gigantism).