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When it comes to mealtime menus, spiders don't just limit themselves to insects but can also feast on small types of freshwater fish, a new study has found. 

Previously it was known that spiders have the ability to dine on fish, but the new study confirming the old fact also revealed that the phenomenon is more geographically widespread and is more common than previously thought. 

These fish-eating spider species are on every continent but Antarctica. 

"Fish may represent a 'big-ticket item' in the nutritional budget of semi-aquatic spiders," zoologist and study leader Martin Nyffeler of the University of Basel in Switzerland said, according to Reuters. 

According to the study, fish as prey may be particularly attractive food source during mating periods to satisfy the elevated protein needs of pregnant female spiders. 

Semi-aquatic spider species use powerful neurotoxins to kill fish, the study added. 

"Fish meat is high-quality prey regarding protein content and caloric value," Nyffeler said. "It takes a spider usually many hours to devour a fish until nothing is left but bones and scales."

Researchers say, they've observed at least 18 species catching fish in the wild. 

"Spiders are more adept predators than most give credit for," study participant Brad Pusey of the University of Western Australia said, according to Reuters.

The research has been published in the journal PLOS ONE.