The Biggest King Crab In The World
When it comes to the cold waters of the North Pacific, one creature reigns supreme: the King Crab. Known for their enormous size and delicious meat, these crustaceans have become a sought-after delicacy around the world. But just how big do King Crabs get? And where can you find the biggest one in the world? Let's dive in and find out!
What is a King Crab?
King Crabs, also known as Alaskan King Crabs, are a type of crustacean that live in the cold waters of the North Pacific. They have a hard exoskeleton and ten legs, with the first pair being modified into large claws for hunting and defense. King Crabs can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms)!
Where are King Crabs found?
King Crabs are mainly found in the waters of Alaska, Russia, and Japan. They prefer to live in deep, cold water and are often found at depths of over 200 meters. King Crabs are a popular target for commercial fishing, with over 60 million pounds (27 million kilograms) caught each year.
The Biggest King Crab in the World
So, what is the biggest King Crab ever caught? The answer lies in the waters of Norway, where a fisherman caught a massive King Crab weighing in at 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms) and measuring 4 feet (1.2 meters) across!
The gigantic crustacean was caught off the coast of the island of Hareid in 2004. It was so big that the fisherman had to use a winch to bring it aboard his boat. The King Crab became an instant sensation and was even featured on national news programs around the world.
Why do King Crabs grow so big?
One of the reasons why King Crabs can grow so big is their ability to molt, or shed their exoskeleton. As they grow, their hard outer shell becomes too small and they must shed it in order to grow a larger one. During this process, King Crabs can grow up to 25% larger!
Another reason why King Crabs can grow so big is because they have a slow growth rate. It can take up to 7 years for a King Crab to reach maturity, and during this time they can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) per year.
The Benefits of Eating King Crab
Aside from their enormous size, King Crabs are also known for their delicious meat. King Crab meat is sweet, succulent, and has a delicate flavor that pairs well with butter and lemon. It is also high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
King Crab is often served as a luxury food item in high-end restaurants and can be quite expensive. However, if you're lucky enough to catch your own King Crab, you can enjoy a delicious meal at home for a fraction of the cost!
Conclusion
King Crabs are truly remarkable creatures that have captured the imaginations of people around the world. From their enormous size to their delicious meat, it's no wonder why King Crabs are such a popular food item. And while the biggest King Crab in the world may have been caught in Norway, there are plenty of other large specimens out there just waiting to be discovered. So why not try your luck and see if you can catch a King Crab of your own? Who knows, you may just break the record for the biggest one ever caught!