Surprised with fish-eating spiders

The Swiss and Australian team of scientists have found that some species of spiders are capable of catching fish and using fish as their main source of food.

Spiders are thought to be insectivores and there is no scientific evidence to show that they are interested in other foods. Recently, however, scientists have observed many types of spiders living near freshwater areas, using their poison to kill fishes and turning them into hearty meals.

A spider is hunting fish near the freshwater area - (Photo: BBC News)

These are the spiders who often live on the edge of freshwater streams, ponds and swamps. Some are capable of swimming, diving and walking on water. In particular, they have neurotoxins and strong enzymes that can kill and digest larger and heavier fish.

To catch prey, spiders often anchor their hind legs to a stone or tree branch, then they leave the forelegs on the water, in a ready-to-ambush position. When the prey enters the trap, the fish-eating spider will pull them into a dry place, continuing to process the 'digestion' of the prey. This process usually takes several hours.

Dr Nyffeler of Basel University (Switzerland) said: 'Fish became a predator of some spiders, because fish is a lucrative bait, containing a lot of significant nutrients'.

According to the research results, there are more than five species of spiders with the phenomenon of hunting fish in the wild and about three species of spiders hunting fish in the laboratory. Spiders eat fish found in continents around the world, except Antarctica. Most are found in Florida flooded areas.