Can You Eat Sea Spiders?
WouterSea spiders are members of the phylum Arthropoda. They are marine arthropods, and have jointed legs. There are over 1500 species of sea spiders. These animals are found in all major oceans and freshwater. Despite their large size, they are mostly harmless to humans.
These arachnids are known to have an elongated proboscis, which is a long tube used to suck fluids out of prey. This helps mix digestive chemicals into the food. The proboscis also allows the spider to pierce the skin of its prey.
Sea spiders are mainly carnivorous predators. Their diet includes algae, invertebrates, and sponges. However, some sea spiders also eat other marine creatures.
Most species of sea spiders are small and live in shallow waters. Some have five pairs of walking legs. But the majority of sea spiders are tiny, and only grow to about 1/10 of an inch in length.
Sea spiders are a member of the phylum Arthropoda, and are closely related to scorpions and spiders. Unlike most land-based spiders, sea spiders have no gaping jaws or fangs. As such, they are often referred to as suctorial predators.
Many species live communally under rocks, or under other structures. Others live on the ocean floor. Depending on their habitat, sea spiders can range in size from.03 inches to 20 inches in leg span. During their life, many species gain additional pairs of legs.
Several species have spines on their lips. While some sea spiders feed on red algae, such as Mastocarpus stellatus, others feed on plant tissues.
