World's Most Biggest Crab: Meet the Japanese Spider Crab

Welcome to the fascinating world of the biggest crabs on the planet! These crustaceans are truly impressive, with some species reaching sizes that are hard to believe. In this article, we will take a closer look at the world's most significant crab species, their habitats, and behaviours.

The Japanese Spider Crab is one of the most well-known giant crab species, with a leg span of over 13 feet (4 meters) and a weight of up to 42 pounds. However, the Tasmanian Giant Crab is also a contender for the title of the world's most significant crab, with a carapace width of up to 18 inches and a mass of up to 39 pounds. Other giant crab species include the Coconut Crab and the Alaskan King Crab.

Giant crabs can be found in various habitats, including deep-sea trenches, rocky shores, and coral reefs. They are typically scavengers or predators, feeding on a variety of prey such as fish, molluscs, and even other crabs. Some species, like the Coconut Crab, have been known to climb trees to feed on coconuts.

Key Takeaways

• The world's most significant crab species include the Japanese Spider Crab and the Tasmanian Giant Crab.
• Giant crabs can be found in various habitats and have diverse feeding behaviours.
• These crustaceans are truly impressive and a wonder of the natural world.

Identifying the Giants

If you're looking for the biggest crabs in the world, you'll want to keep an eye out for three particular species: the Japanese Spider Crab, the Tasmanian Giant Crab, and the Coconut Crab. Here's what to look for when identifying these giants:

Japanese Spider Crab

The Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest crab in the world by leg span, with some individuals capable of reaching over 13 feet across! Their carapace, or shell, can grow up to 16 inches wide and they can weigh up to 42 pounds. They have long, spindly legs that are covered in spines and thorns, and their claws are relatively small in proportion to their body size.

Tasmanian Giant Crab

The Tasmanian Giant Crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas) is another contender for the title of largest crab in the world. While they don't have quite the same leg span as the Japanese Spider Crab, they can still grow up to 18 inches across and weigh up to 39 pounds. They have a distinctive, dark brown carapace and powerful claws that they use to crack open shellfish.

Coconut Crab

The Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) is the largest land-living arthropod in the world, and can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 9 pounds. While they're not quite as massive as the other two contenders on this list, they're still an impressive sight to behold. They have a distinctive, reddish-brown exoskeleton and large, powerful claws that they use to climb trees and crack open coconuts.

Habitats and Behaviours

Underwater Realms

Crabs are widely distributed in the sea, and they can be found in all oceans and at all depths. They are usually found near the continental shelf, where the water is shallow enough for them to forage for food. Some species of crab prefer to live in muddy bottoms, while others prefer rocky or coral reefs. The temperature of the water can also influence where crabs are found. Some species prefer warm water, while others prefer cooler water.

Crabs have many predators in the sea, including fish, birds, and larger crabs. To avoid being eaten, some species of crab are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and hide during the day. Other species have developed hard exoskeletons to protect themselves from predators.

On Land and Beyond

While most crabs are found in the sea, some species are also found on land. These terrestrial crabs live in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and even on mountains. They have adapted to life on land by developing lungs to breathe air and by laying their eggs on land.

Terrestrial crabs have a varied diet, which can include carrion, algae, and even fruits. Some species of crab are also known to scavenge for food, while others are herbivores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the record size for a king crab caught?

The largest king crab ever caught weighed around 28 pounds (12.7 kg), with a leg span of 5 feet (1.5 meters). This record-breaking catch was made in 1971, off the coast of Alaska.

How massive can spider crabs get?

The Japanese spider crab is the largest crab in the world and can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) from claw to claw. They can weigh up to 44 pounds (20 kg) and live up to 100 years.

What's the story behind the biggest prehistoric crab?

The biggest prehistoric crab ever discovered was the Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, which lived around 390 million years ago. It had a body length of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) and was the size of a car. It is believed to have lived in freshwater environments and fed on fish.

Can you tell me about the Giant Daddy crab?

The Giant Daddy crab, also known as the Tasmanian giant crab, is the largest crab in the southern hemisphere. It can grow up to 18 inches (46 cm) across the carapace and weigh up to 13 pounds (6 kg). It is found in the waters off the coast of Tasmania and is a popular seafood delicacy.

What's the size comparison between the largest and smallest crabs?

The size of crabs can vary greatly depending on the species. The smallest crab in the world is the pea crab, which measures only a few millimetres across. In contrast, the Japanese spider crab is the largest crab in the world, with a leg span of up to 12 feet (3.7 meters).

Are coconut crabs the largest on land?

Yes, the coconut crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world. It can weigh up to 9 pounds (4 kg) and grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) in length. They are found on islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and are known for their ability to climb trees and crack open coconuts with their powerful claws.