Sea Spiders: 27.5-Inch Leg Giants That Breathe and Digest Through Legs

Govind Tekale

Leg spans of polar sea spiders are measured at 28 inches, while smaller species are found at 0.4 inches.

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Oxygen is absorbed by sea spiders through countless microscopic pores that are distributed across their legs.

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Young sea spider offspring are carried and protected by male parents until independence is reached.

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Digestive systems and reproductive organs are housed within the spindly legs instead of their small bodies.

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Oxygen absorption through leg pores was measured in special chambers by scientists studying Antarctic species.

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Blood circulation is performed by digestive systems due to the presence of weak hearts in sea spiders.

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Marine environments have been inhabited by these creatures for hundreds of millions of years.

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Nutrients are extracted from soft-bodied prey through specialized tube-shaped mouths

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Survival is maintained by these creatures from shallow waters to deep ocean floors worldwide.

Photo Source: DeepseaOddities (Youtube)