Inachus dorsettensis

Jeremy Pierce A real spongy Inachus dorsettensis??? Eastern Kings, Devonport on Friday morning at about 8m.

Wendy Northway love the little sponge spider crabs!

Claire Goodwin Rohan Holt (i think?! somone anayway) always says I. dorsettensis tends to hold out its arms 'welcome to dorset'. I've not checked though! As Dawn says you'd need to look at the head and back tubercules to be sure.

Bernard Picton This is more likely to be Inachus phalangium in my opinion. It is more typical of rocky habitats whilst I. dorsettensis prefers quieter, muddier places. There are a couple of other species, so it is worth checking up on the distinguishing characters.

George Brown Marlin says I. phalangium is often associated with Anemonia viridis. I've found this in some but not all areas where I've found A. viridis. Did you see this anemone during your dive Jeremy?

Bernard Picton often, but not always, or even frequently in my experience...

Jeremy Pierce Yes George Brown, they are quite abundant along the cables on the sea bed at this site(A. viridis that is), that is once you come up off the reef 'wall' to about 8m and most of all the way back to the shore.

George Brown Bernard, exactly.