The spider crab (Maja squinado) is a member of the crustacean family (Majiidae). Its shell is brown-red with red spots along its long legs. 25cm in length, the spider crab weighs in at 1,5 kg. At home on many sea floor environs, they commonly dwell at depths of 30-50 meters but have been found as deep as 150 meters. They are found throughout the Adriatic Sea, including Istria’s Premuda, Lošinj, Cres, Unije and Susak islands, with an abundance in the Pula basin near Medulin, Premantura and Banjole.

Considered a delicacy, each crab yields a limited amount of meat but the delicious taste is very similar to lobster. Istrian fishermen often prepare the crabs by roasting them in fires made from grapevines. When the shells begin to separate from the meat, the sumptuous meal is ready.