About Achaeopsis spinulosa Stimpson, 1857
Achaeopsis spinulosa Stimpson, 1857, commonly called the hotlips spider crab, gets its common name from the vivid red marking around its mouth. It is a small species of spider crab with relatively long, quite sturdy legs, and can grow up to 70 millimetres (2.8 in) across its body. Its carapace is rounded, tapering toward a blunt tip, and its pincers have ragged white and red stripes.
This crab is found between False Bay and Durban, in subtidal waters down to 43 metres (141 ft), and it is endemic to this region.
For camouflage, the hotlips spider crab decorates its body with sponges, hydroids, or algae, and is rarely found without some type of body decoration. It is often located among striped anemones and on sea fans.
