The great spider crab (Hyas araneus) is a species of crab found in northeast Atlantic waters and the North Sea, usually below the tidal zone.

[1] In 1986, two specimens were captured at the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula, apparently transported by human agency.

[2] It has been feared that the species would have an adverse effect on the native fauna, but there have been no further captures from the region since the 1986 specimens.

[3] The great spider crab can moult and get rid of their outer shell/skin.

This can take some time but it lets them grow to great size.