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Let’s be honest: Encountering a Japanese spider crab while scuba diving would likely send anyone into a panic, causing them to breathe their oxygen supply much quicker. Gerald Corsi / Getty ImagesCrabs are celebrated for their extended legs, powerful claws, and durable exoskeletons. While many are opportunistic feeders, consuming both plants and animals, others specialize in hunting or herbivory. Regardless of their diet, a consistent and nutrient-rich intake allows some crab species to reach astonishingly large sizes.
The Japanese spider crab, recognized as the largest crab globally, boasts a leg span that can exceed an impressive 13 feet (4 meters).
Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating Japanese spider crab and explore eight additional colossal crab species.
1. Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is an extraordinary creature, a giant arthropod found in the waters surrounding Japan.
Known for its exceptionally long, slender legs that can stretch over 13 feet (4 meters), this crab features a carapace measuring up to 15 inches (37 cm) in width and can weigh as much as 40 pounds (18 kg). Its body is often covered with algae and other marine growth, which helps it blend seamlessly into its underwater environment.
These crabs are mostly active at night, feeding on mollusks, fish, and decaying matter. While they tend to live solitary lives, they gather in large groups during mating season. The sweet and tender meat of the Japanese spider crab makes it a highly sought-after delicacy in Japanese culinary traditions.
The record for the largest crab ever captured goes to a Japanese spider crab nicknamed "Big Daddy", inspired by the professional wrestler Shirley Crabtree Jr., who shared the same moniker. Big Daddy measured an impressive 10 feet, 2.5 inches (3.11 meters) in width and also held the record for the longest crab leg at 4 feet, 8.5 inches (1.43 meters). In 2013, Big Daddy was transported from Japan to the Sea Life Blackpool aquarium in the UK, where he lived until the age of 80, passing away in 2016.
2. Tasmanian Giant Crab
The Tasmanian giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas) is a massive crustacean native to the coastal waters of Tasmania, Australia. Highly valued for its succulent meat, this species can exceed 20 pounds (9 kg) in weight, with a broad, rounded carapace spanning up to 18 inches (46 cm). Its dominant claw can grow to an impressive 17 inches (43 cm) in length.
Inhabiting and reproducing in deep ocean environments, the Tasmanian giant crab sustains itself on a diet of small fish, other crustaceans, and decaying matter. By regulating prey populations and contributing to nutrient recycling, this crab plays a vital role in maintaining the equilibrium of Tasmania’s marine ecosystem.
3. Coconut Crab
The coconut crab (Birgus latro) holds the title of the world’s largest land-dwelling arthropod, thriving in the tropical zones of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, particularly on islands such as Christmas Island and the Seychelles.
Renowned for its remarkable skill in scaling coconut trees, the coconut crab boasts a leg span of approximately 40 inches (1 meter) from tip to tip and can weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg). This impressive size earns it the distinction of being the largest land-dwelling crab on the planet.
Contrary to its name, the coconut crab doesn’t depend exclusively on coconuts for sustenance. Its diet is diverse, encompassing fruits, nuts, small creatures, and decaying matter. Equipped with a sharp sense of smell and formidable claws, it can effortlessly crack open coconuts. Astonishingly, a single crab has the strength to lift objects weighing up to 60 pounds (27 kg).
4. Alaskan King Crab
The Alaskan king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is a highly sought-after crustacean, celebrated for its delicious, tender meat. Indigenous to the frigid waters of the North Pacific, it is predominantly found in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska.
Recognizable by its spiny exoskeleton and lengthy, spider-like legs, the Alaskan king crab can achieve a leg span of over 5 feet (1.5 meters) and weigh as much as 28 pounds (13 kg), solidifying its status as one of the largest edible crab species.
Often referred to as the red king crab, Alaskan king crabs are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of organisms such as mollusks, fish, and algae. To promote sustainable fishing and preserve crab populations, conservation measures like catch limits and protections for young crabs have been implemented.
5. Dungeness Crab
The Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) is indigenous to the West Coast of North America, stretching from Alaska down to California. Highly prized in culinary traditions, its flavorful meat makes up roughly a quarter of its total body weight.
This crab features an oval, spiny carapace that ranges in color from brownish-red to purple or olive-green, complemented by two large, uneven claws. It has eight jointed legs and a comparatively small abdomen.
Male Dungeness crabs measure 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm) in width and 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in length, with a weight ranging from 1 to 3 pounds. They thrive in sandy or muddy coastal areas and are versatile feeders, preying on clams, fish, and even other crabs.
6. Snow Crab
The snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) thrives in the chilly waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. Males are notably larger than females, with a carapace width of 6.5 inches and an average weight of 3 pounds (1.4 kg). Prized for their tender, flavorful meat, snow crabs are a favorite in the seafood market.
Snow crabs are easily identifiable by their oval, spiny carapace and thin, elongated legs adorned with tiny spines. Their color varies from light brown to reddish-orange. These crabs prefer deep-sea habitats, often residing on sandy or muddy ocean floors.
As opportunistic feeders, snow crabs have a diverse diet that includes small invertebrates such as mollusks, worms, and small fish.
7. Giant Mud Crab
The giant mud crab (Scylla serrata) is indigenous to the Indo-Pacific region, frequently inhabiting mangrove forests, estuaries, and shallow coastal areas.
This mud crab from the Indo-Pacific can grow to a carapace width of 11 inches (28 cm) and weigh more than 11 pounds (5 kg). Its color ranges from dark brown to greenish-gray.
Renowned for its impressive size and delectable meat, the giant mud crab is highly valued in many Asian nations. It features a sturdy, oval-shaped carapace and strong claws used for both defense and hunting.
As omnivores, these crabs consume a diverse diet, including small fish, mollusks, other crustaceans, and marine debris.
8. Red Rock Crab
The red rock crab (Cancer productus) is found along the western coastline of North America, ranging from Alaska to California, much like the Dungeness crab.
This versatile crab thrives in diverse environments, such as rocky shores, tidal pools, and eelgrass beds. It preys on a variety of organisms, including other crustaceans and small fish. With a carapace width of up to 6 inches (15 cm), it typically weighs around 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
Red rock crabs are characterized by their reddish-brown carapace and vibrant red or orange claws and legs. This coloring helps them blend into rocky environments, aiding in both hunting and evading predators.
9. European Spider Crab
The European spider crab (Maja squinado) is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has a spiny carapace that can reach 7 inches (18 cm) in width, along with long, thin legs. Its color ranges from reddish-brown to orange or purplish-black, allowing it to blend seamlessly with seaweed and rocky surroundings.
While these crabs are omnivores, their diet mainly consists of carrion. They are highly sought after by commercial fisheries for their tender, flavorful meat, a staple in Mediterranean dishes.
Conservation initiatives focus on promoting sustainable harvesting methods and safeguarding the species from overfishing.
