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Meet the largest crab in the world that can reach the size of a car: giant crab from Japan has a wingspan of 3,7 m and attracts attention from the entire world.
The Japanese giant spider crab is one of the most fascinating creatures in the Arthropod Kingdom and draws attention due to its enormous size. Considered the largest crab in the world, this marine animal is native to the depths of the Pacific Ocean, near the coast of Japan, where it inhabits cold and abyssal regions. The Japanese giant crab can reach impressive 3,7 meter wingspan, when measured from the tip of one paw to the other — a dimension that makes it comparable to the length of a compact car, such as the Fiat Uno.
In addition to its surprising size, the Japanese giant spider crab (scientific name macrocheira kaempferi) also impresses with its peculiar appearance: it has long, thin legs, an orange body with whitish spots and a robust shell that helps it camouflage itself among the rocks and sediments on the seabed. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is a relatively peaceful species, which feeds mainly on mollusks, organic remains and small animals.
This giant of the deep can live for decades — there are records of individuals that are over 100 years old — and is considered a true living fossil, having changed very little over millions of years of evolution. Its existence reinforces how little we know about marine biodiversity in deep areas, and how such ancient creatures still play important roles in underwater ecosystems.
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World's largest crab could weigh more than 18 kilos
Before continuing, it is important to mention that crabs are arthropods belonging to the crustacean group, just like lobsters and crayfish. They are animals with a resistant shell and 10 legs, the first pair of which has claws. These curious animals can be found in marine, freshwater and even terrestrial environments.
Returning to the giant crab of Japan, this remarkable animal lives in the depths of the ocean, between 50 and 300 meters, in the waters around the Asian country. With a robust and rounded body, The largest crab in the world has long, thin legs that contribute to its impressive wingspan.
Its weight can exceed 18 kg, making it one of the largest unknown arthropods. This giant's diet is quite varied, being an omnivorous animal that feeds on both plant and animal matter. In addition, it is well known for its scavenging behavior, consuming decomposing organisms.
The natural habitat of the Japanese giant spider crab is in the temperate waters of northern Pacific Ocean, mainly around Japan. Commercial fishing of this species takes place in these regions, where fishermen take advantage of the abundance of the animal for commercial purposes. The depth at which they live also creates an ideal environment for their survival, far from surface predators.
Importance and curiosities about the largest crab in the world
In addition to its ecological importance, the giant crab of Japan plays an important role in local culture and economy. Fishing for this animal is a traditional activity in some regions of the country, contributing to the local economy. In addition, its appearance and impressive size make it an attraction in aquariums around the world, where it is exhibited to the public.
The Japanese giant has already achieved notable records. In 2013, a captive specimen named Big Daddy, which was kept in the aquarium Sea Life Blackpool, in the United Kingdom, was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the longest leg of a crab in captivity, measuring 1,43 m. Big Daddy lived to be 80 years old, passing away in 2016, thus demonstrating the long life that these crustaceans can achieve.
These features make the Japanese giant crab a fascinating creature that continues to intrigue scientists and marine enthusiasts. Its presence in the oceans is a reminder of the diversity and complexity of the underwater world, encouraging conservation and continued study of these unique species.
The second largest crab in the world is also impressive
In addition to the Japanese giant, another species that has caught the attention of scientists is the coconut crab. With the scientific name Birgus latro, this species can weigh up to 4 kg, which is approximately the same weight as a domestic cat. In addition, it has long legs that extend almost 1 m in length and shocks anyone who comes into contact with them, as these limbs help them climb coconut trees, as the name suggests.
The natural habitat of the coconut thief, as it is also known, is the atolls in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as the small, ring-shaped oceanic islands in the tropical region are called. In these places, the second largest crab in the world lives mainly in underground burrows, which they form using coconut husk fibers that they feed on.
These animals also only go to sea to lay their eggs, unlike most animals of their species, which are mostly terrestrial beings. Despite having a name related to coconuts, these animals have a very varied diet that can include succulent fruits, smaller crabs and have even been seen eating meat, especially as scavengers.
In 2016, however, the researcher Mark Laidre, from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, recorded a crab attacking a seagull, an event observed for the first time by experts.
