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Japanese Spider Crab

With its impossibly long legs and alien-like appearance, the Japanese spider crab is one of the most extraordinary crustaceans in the ocean. Native to the waters of Japan, it holds the title of the world’s largest living crab species, with a leg span that can reach up to 4 meters (13.1 feet) across!

 

The Japanese spider crab’s orangish body, marked with white spots on its legs, resembles something out of science fiction. Its body, or carapace, is only about 37 centimeters (14.6 inches) wide, while its long, spindly legs stretch far beyond that, giving it a spider-like silhouette. Many crabs end up missing at least one walking leg, as they are relatively easily lost to predators or entanglements in nets, but the crab can often regrow legs while molting. These crabs inhabit depths of 150 to 300 meters (490 to 980 feet), though they may migrate to shallower waters during spawning season.   Despite their intimidating appearance, Japanese spider crabs typically not hunt, but instead scavenge for food. Their diet mainly consists of decaying organic matter from plants and animals, although they do occasionally hunt small marine invertebrates. Adult crabs have few predators, since their large size protects them, but juveniles will decorate their shells with sponges or kelp as camouflage.

 

 

Japanese spider crabs have long been a part of local Japanese fisheries and is considered a delicacy.  While their population has not been thoroughly evaluated by scientists, it is known that the number of crabs caught each year has been declining for the last four decades, raising concerns that their population may be declining.

 

 

 

Japan has put limitations around catching Japanese spider crabs during mating season to help keep populations from declining significantly. Sustainable fishing practices and monitoring of their populations are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic deep-sea species. Management plans and catch limits are critical for fisheries like this one to be sustainable. Learn more about Oceana’s work for responsible fisheries here.

 

 

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