Fisheries Infosite

Giant Spider Crab Southern Islands (GSC6A)
Scientific name
Jacquinotia edwardsii

Physical characteristics

Giant Spider Crab have a red carapace and red-yellowish chelae. Males are significantly larger than females, reaching a length of 20 cm excluding claws and legs.

Life cycle

There is no age data available for Giant Spider Crab. Maturity is reached at 110 mm length for males and 100 mm for females. Larvae are released in September-November.

Habitat

Giant Spider Crab is found around the southeast and south of New Zealand from Mernoo Gap to the Campbell Islands in interidal regions to depths of 500 m. Males feed on other shellfish, while females are detritus feeders.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025