Description
The carapaceof the Leach's spider crab is triangular shaped and is as high as wide. It is very similar to the long legged spider crab (Macropodia rostrata) and will often be confused with this last one. The legs and carapace will always be covered with sponges (usually Bread-crumb sponge). It feeds on hydroids, small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and brittle stars. They are even capable of catching small fish with a quick movement of their claws.

Size
The carapace is maximum 22 mm long.

Colour
The colour of the carapace is reddish-brown, but because of this is covered by sponge it can only be observed after moulting.

Habitat
From the tidal zone up to a depth of ± 55 meters.
It lives on seafloors with sand, rocks or coarse gravel.

Distribution
North eastern Atlantic from Norway till West Africa and the Mediterranean sea.