An invasion of giant spider crabs has shocked locals as “tens of thousands” of the crustaceans make a rare visit to Australia’s coastal region.
Migratory crabs have been swarming the waters of Kellidie Bay in South Australia.s Eyre Peninsula over the past two weeks.
The rare sight has baffled locals, including Coffin Bay oyster farmer Lester Marshall, 59, who said he had never seen such a large gathering of spider crabs in the area.
“In the 25 or 30 years I’ve been farming oysters here, I’ve never seen this many oysters in this quantity,” he said.
‘There are tens of thousands of them and they are practically on the other side of the bay, (and they are) only half a meter, one meter of water.
“It’s a sight to behold, that’s for sure.”
Mr Marshall said the giant spider crabs are “bright orange” when the sun hits them and have split into groups of 100 to 500 crabs.
This sight is rare because although the crabs are frequently seen along the Great Southern Reef, they are usually only seen in places like Port Phillip Bay in Victoria or in areas of Tasmania.
‘Tens of thousands’ of giant spider crabs have been spotted on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia (pictured)
Giant spider crabs usually gather in winter to shed their shells so they can continue growing. Before they grow a new shell, the crustaceans are vulnerable to predators.
The crabs gather together for the molting process, where they shed their shell and give way to a new hard shell that begins to grow.
The species can grow up to 16 cm wide at the carapace and 70 cm at the legs.
But marine scientist Dr Elodie Camprasse said 7 News The process, which often occurs in winter, can be risky.
“(Crabs) are soft and vulnerable to predators and we believe this is the reason they gather in such large numbers,” he said.
Humans are also putting the creatures at risk, with a surge in online searches about whether the majestic crustaceans can be eaten.
Giant spider crabs (pictured) can grow up to 16 cm across their shell and 70 cm across their legs.
Locals have been left shocked by the mass gathering, which usually takes place in Port Phillip Bay in Victoria or along coastal areas in Tasmania (pictured: giant spider crabs in Kellidie Bay, South Australia).
Australians on social media have also been discussing the catching of spider crabs.
“Mmm, time to gather around and eat,” wrote one commenter.
“If I were there, I would take a claw off each crab, take it home and cook them,” said another.
A local who had previously caught the crabs wrote: “We thought we were in for a big feast after catching a few, but there was hardly any meat on them.”
But some urged locals to leave the giant spider crabs alone.
“I hope the locals leave them alone instead of stealing them to eat,” one person wrote.
A spokesperson for South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions told Daily Mail Australia that the giant spider crabs were in fact edible.
“Spider crabs are not subject to recreational harvest restrictions unless they are found to be carrying eggs, in which case they must be returned to the water immediately,” the spokesperson said.
‘Commercial fishing for spider crabs is only permitted under specific licensing conditions.
‘Spider crabs are not particularly aggressive creatures, but people should take the usual care when entering the water to watch for them and try not to disturb them.’