Crustacean

Japanese spider crab

Macrocheira kaempferi

PacificAtlanticIndianSouthernArctic A single ocean

Depth

About 50 to 600 m

Size

Leg span up to 3.7 m, up to 18.6 kg

Diet

Carrion, fish, small invertebrates, algae

Zone

The sea floor · 200 – 3,500 m

Key facts

• It is the longest marine crustacean. The record measures 3.69 m from claw to claw.
• Its body is only about 30 cm; all the rest is legs.
• Young ones disguise themselves with sponges and algae stuck to their shell.
• It is found mainly on the Pacific coast of Japan, in Sagami and Suruga bays.

Verified sources

1. Guinness World Records, Longest marine crustacean
2. Animal Diversity Web, Macrocheira kaempferi

In the game: To observe

In the same zone

Giant Pacific octopusEnteroctopus dofleini Casper ghost octopusUndescribed incirrate octopus Giant vent clamCalyptogena magnifica Venus’ flower basketEuplectella aspergillum Vent eelpoutThermarces cerberus Eyeless vent shrimpRimicaris exoculata