The Japanese spider crab holds the title of the world’s largest crab.
It boasts an impressive leg span of up to 12 feet, a carapace width reaching 16 inches, and a weight that can reach a whopping 42 pounds.
In this article, we’ll delve into this remarkable species, its unique features, and its habitat.
Biggest Crab In The World: The Japanese Crab
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) holds the world record as the largest crab, boasting a leg span of up to 12 feet and a carapace width of 16 inches.
Remarkably, it can weigh up to 42 pounds, making it the heaviest living arthropod.
These giants inhabit the deep waters along the Japanese coast.
They display their omnivorous appetite, consuming a variety of plants and animals such as mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
While Japanese spider crabs aren’t currently considered threatened, they face potential risks from overfishing and habitat loss.
Additionally, they sometimes become unintended catches in fishing nets.
