The Colossal Japanese Spider Crab: Earth’s Largest Arthropod, Yet Unable to Swim
The ocean floor is home to many extraordinary creatures. Among the most unusual representatives of marine fauna is undoubtedly the Japanese spider crab. This colossal crustacean looks like a creature from another world, retaining many morphological characteristics of the Macrocheira genus that appeared on Earth millions of years ago. What does the Japanese spider crab look like, and where is it found? I’ll answer these questions and more below.
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi), also known as the giant spider crab or Japanese crab, is a true giant among crabs and one of the largest invertebrates on Earth. Its appearance may evoke awe or even fear, but it’s important to note that these creatures aren’t naturally aggressive, spending most of their time foraging on the ocean floor.
What does the Japanese spider crab look like?
The appearance of the Japanese spider crab itself reveals its uniqueness. It shares many characteristics with other crabs, but it’s quite distinct from other members of the group.
Its cephalothorax, measuring about 40 cm, has a pear-like shape, widening towards the front and covered by a hard, rigid shell. The carapace displays knobby protrusions, and the creature’s…
