Crabs

From tiny porcelain crabs hiding in anemones to large spider crabs on night dives, crabs are everywhere if you know where to look. Check crevices, sponges, and coral heads — they're masters of tucking themselves away.

Last updated April 2026

Hermit crab11 photos

Up to 10 cm1–30mRocky reefCoral reefSand

A small crustacean living inside a borrowed snail shell, with only its legs and claws visible. Carries its mobile home everywhere and upgrades to larger shells as it grows.

Scuttles across the reef dragging its shell — watch for the comedy of two hermit crabs fighting over a desirable shell.

Observed at

El Santuari(Costa del Maresme)Punta de la Mona(La Herradura)Mar Menuda(Tossa de Mar)Piedra del Hombre(La Herradura)Las Planetas(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)

Leach's spider crabInachus phalangium4 photos

Rocky reef

Observed at

Pedra de Déu(Illes Medes)Roca Muladera(Tossa de Mar)Mar Menuda(Tossa de Mar)

Long-legged spider crabMacropodia rostrata3 photos

Rocky reef

Observed at

Bajo de Dentro(Cabo de Palos)

Spinous squat lobsterGalathea strigosa2 photos

Up to 12 cm0–600m

Observed at

Túneles de Port Salvi(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)

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