However, they have been known to form what's known as pods. King crabs tend to live and travel alone. The right claw is typically larger because it is used to crush its food, while the smaller claw tears food apart. Similar to the hermit crab, king crabs showcase claws of varying sizes. Surprisingly, the red king crab is closely related to the hermit crab in regards to its genetics. It is the hemocyanin molecules that allow these crabs to function in cold, low-pressure environments. In comparison, human blood contains hemoglobin which is rich in iron instead of copper. Since the blood of crabs contains hemocyanin, a copper-containing pigment, once oxygenated, it turns blue. Relying on their long legs, they travel up to one mile each day at depths of 90 to 300 feet. Amazingly, they can "walk" up to 100 miles during their yearly migration. Outside of mating season, king crabs are solitary creatures. Halibut, Pacific cod, octopuses, sea otters, and even other crabs all enjoy the taste of fresh king crab just as much as we do. Just because they prey on the above species does not mean that they do not have natural enemies themselves. We're not the only ones that enjoy an Alaskan king crab feast However, their diets vary based on their age and the depth in which they reside. Many species view the king crab as a vicious enemyĪlaskan king crabs are mainly carnivores, feeding on snails, worms, barnacles, mussels, clams, starfish, sand dollars, sea urchins, and even other crabs. Some of the largest red king crabs ever found were believed to be around 30 years old, weighing in at a whopping 24 pounds. Reaching sexual maturity at around the age of four or five, only adult females must later molt to reproduce. During their first few years of life, king crabs molt their shell numerous times. Mainly made of calcium, a king crab's shell is its skeleton. They molt as they develop Some of the largest red king crabs ever found were believed to be around 30 years old At this time, they look like a crab but are actually smaller than a dime. After feeding on plankton for several months, they will settle to the ocean floor and become a non-swimmer. Once king crab embryos hatch, they become swimming larvae. In fact, the female king crab will lay anywhere between 45,000 and 500,000 eggs each year. They're dedicated mothersĪlthough king crab mothers do not raise their young, they do carry thousands of embryos for approximately a year's time. As discussed, when it comes to the Alaskan king crab, fisheries seek the blue, golden, and the red king crab - the most prized of them all. There are over 100 species of king crab The red king crab - the most prized of them allĪlthough there are around 120 different king crab species, the Alaskan fishing industry focuses on three types. Interested to learn more about these interesting (and tasty) decapod crustaceans? We have you covered with these ten random facts.
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