Sea-spider
Nymphon gracile
SIZE AND DESCRIPTION
Length 1cm to (body). Extraordinary animal with a striking resemblance to a terrestial spider. Body is so slender that it is not adequate to contain the animal’s stomach, which extends up the legs. There are four main pairs of legs (plus a fifth, much-reduced pair), the longest of which is about 2.5cm. Colour is red or pinkish. Several other sea-spider species occur.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
Reasonably common on the middle and lower shores, under stones and algae, and into shallow water.
DISTRIBUTION
Occurs across the Atlantic, English Channel, North Sea