Largest Crab Ever Caught In The World
Crabs are fascinating creatures that live in oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies. They belong to the class of crustaceans that have a hard exoskeleton, ten legs, and two claws. Most crabs are small, but some species can grow to enormous sizes. In this article, we will discuss the largest crab ever caught in the world and its fascinating features.
The Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest crab species in the world. It is also known as the Tasmanian giant crab, the monster crab, and the giant spider crab. This crab is found in the Pacific Ocean around Japan, where it is considered a delicacy.
The Japanese spider crab can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) from claw to claw and weigh up to 44 pounds (20 kg). The body of the crab can be as wide as 15 inches (38 cm), and its legs can span up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) when fully extended. Its long, thin legs give it a spider-like appearance, which is how it got its name.
The Discovery of the Giant Crab
The discovery of the largest crab ever caught in the world happened in 1921, off the coast of Japan. A fisherman named Toshimitsu Kawahara caught a giant crab in his fishing net while he was out at sea. The crab was so large that he had to tie it to the side of his boat to prevent it from tipping over. When he returned to shore, the crab attracted a lot of attention, and it was later identified as a Japanese spider crab.
The Diet of the Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab is an opportunistic feeder, which means it will eat almost anything it can find. Its diet includes fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and even dead animals. The crab has powerful jaws that allow it to crush shells and tear apart flesh. It also has a long proboscis, which it uses to probe for food in small crevices and holes.
The Habitat of the Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab lives in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, where it can tolerate the cold temperatures and high pressure. It prefers to live on sandy or muddy bottoms, where it can burrow into the sediment to hide from predators. The crab is also known to migrate to shallow waters during the breeding season.
The Reproduction of the Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab reproduces by external fertilization. The male crab deposits sperm packets on the female's abdomen, which she carries until she is ready to lay her eggs. The female can lay up to 1.5 million eggs at a time, which she carries on her abdomen until they hatch. The larvae then float to the surface, where they develop into small crabs.
The Conservation Status of the Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab is not considered a threatened species, but its population is declining due to overfishing and habitat destruction. The crab is a popular food item in Japan, and its size and rarity make it a prized catch. However, efforts are being made to protect the crab, and fishing restrictions have been put in place in some areas.
Conclusion
The Japanese spider crab is the largest crab ever caught in the world. It is an amazing creature with a unique appearance and fascinating features. Although it is not a threatened species, the decline in its population is a cause for concern. As oceans and their inhabitants face increasing threats, it is important to raise awareness about the need for conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
