Japanese Spider Crab
Japanese Spider Crab
The enormous Japanese Spider Crab really is a monster from the deep. It is the world's largest crab with legs measuring over 4 metres long! The Japanese Spider Crab has 8 legs and 2 huge feeding arms. Their long legs mean they can move quickly over the ocean floor to stalk their prey.
Japanese Spider Crabs are found in the Pacific Ocean around Japan at depths of up to 300m. They tend to live in ocean vents or crevices. Despite their size, Japanese Spider Crabs are quite vulnerable. Japanese Spider Crabs are considered a delicacy in Japan and are caught in trawling nets. To prevent the decline of this amazing crustacean, hunting is prohibited during the spring, when the crab lays their eggs.